Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll adore this dish for its bold flavor—Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika deliver a smoky heat, while the trio of cheeses makes the sauce decadently creamy. It’s a luxurious, one-pan dinner packed with comfort and flair.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

• Spaghetti

• Olive oil

• Salted butter

• Garlic, minced

• Cajun seasoning

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

• Grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken)

• Heavy cream

• Low‑sodium chicken broth

• Shredded mozzarella

• Shredded sharp cheddar

• Grated Parmesan (for sauce)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Italian seasoning

• Dried basil

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook spaghetti: Boil until just al dente, then drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.

2. Prepare chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then press grated Parmesan onto each piece.

3. Sear chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and 2 tbsp butter. Sear chicken strips for 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Add 1 tbsp butter and half the garlic in the last minute for fragrance. Remove chicken and set aside.

4. Make sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic; sauté briefly. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth, then gradually stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Season with Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes, adjusting salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.

5. Combine: Add spaghetti to the sauce and use tongs to coat well. Continue over low heat for another minute to meld flavors.

6. Serve: Plate the pasta, top with the chicken strips, and finish with chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe typically yields 4 servings and takes about 35 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• For extra veggies, toss in steamed broccoli, asparagus, or spinach.

• Swap cheeses—try gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for a different twist.

• For lighter sauce, use half-and-half or reduce cheese—but expect a thinner texture.

• Add protein variety: substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms.

• Increase the heat level with more Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

• To store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• To reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as needed.

FAQs

1. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Ensure spaghetti is well coated with a bit of olive oil right after draining. Toss occasionally if it sits before combining with the sauce.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work well with creamy sauces like this.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just swap in your preferred gluten-free pasta and double-check that all seasonings (like Cajun seasoning) are gluten-free.

4. Is it possible to prep this in advance?

You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, but hold off on the sauce. Reheat both separately before combining them with freshly made sauce for best results.

5. Can the sauce be made dairy-free?

Yes—use dairy-free alternatives for cream, butter, cream cheese, and cheese. Just note the sauce may be slightly thinner or grainier.

6. What if my sauce isn’t thickening enough?

Simmer it a bit longer, or if you need a quick fix, whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water over low heat.

7. How spicy is this dish?

Moderately spicy from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust to taste by altering the amount.

8. Can I air-fry the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Yes, but searing helps develop the flavorful crust. If using an air fryer, finish with a quick sear in a hot pan for texture.

9. How can I lighten the dish?

Use half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese quantities. Adding more vegetables can also balance the richness.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing creamy pasta dishes is not recommended—the sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing. Instead, store in the fridge for best quality.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a crowd-pleasing comfort meal with bold flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy indulgence. Ready in about 35 minutes and generous for four servings, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, weeknight treats, or impressing friends. Enjoy experimenting with variations or keep it classic—it never disappoints!

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