Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the best of flavors. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic and Cajun spices, making every bite a taste sensation. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It is easy to prepare and can be served in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy cooks. Plus, the combination of chicken, pasta, and cheese is always a hit with family and friends.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the chicken broth and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
7. Mix in the cream cheese, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
8. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and mix well.
9. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar on top, then cover the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
10. Before serving, finish with the remaining butter and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
11. Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add extra grated Parmesan on top for cheese lovers.
12. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
13. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

To serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, dish it out onto plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. You can add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for those who love cheese. Pair the pasta with a side salad or some garlic bread to complete your meal. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can still be delicious as leftovers.

How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

For storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat again, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen it while reheating.

Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
• You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a different twist.
• Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding the other ingredients to ensure food safety.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just sauté the veggies until tender before adding the sauce and pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

2. Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fettuccine, or linguine.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
While it’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces, you can freeze plain cooked chicken and spaghetti. Just note that the texture might change upon reheating.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

This delightful dish features a creamy Cajun-infused sauce with garlic, chicken, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp salted butter, divided 2 tbsp for cooking and 2 tbsp for finishing
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning adjust based on spice preference
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan for pasta
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) for additional heat
• to taste Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Cooking

1. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken broth and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Mix in the cream cheese, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
6. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and mix well.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar on top, then cover the skillet and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
8. Before serving, finish with the remaining butter and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Serving

1. Serve this dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can also add extra grated Parmesan on top for cheese lovers.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating to loosen it up. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or a mix of your favorite vegetables for a different twist. Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding the other ingredients to ensure food safety.