Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
8 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp salted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting chicken)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
2 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
- Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Press grated Parmesan onto each piece.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips for 4–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. In the last minute, add 1 tbsp butter and half the garlic for fragrance. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining butter and garlic. Sauté briefly, then pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Season with Italian seasoning, basil, red pepper flakes, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes, then add spaghetti. Toss well to coat and cook for another minute over low heat.
- Plate pasta, top with chicken strips, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Try different cheeses like gouda, fontina, or pepper jack.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or mushrooms for variety.
- Increase spice with more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 170mg