Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that brings the flavors of Cajun spices and creamy cheese together. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. It combines tender chicken, flavorful spices, and rich sauces, making every bite a treat.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it great for cooks of all levels. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Cajun spices adds a kick to your usual spaghetti dish. Plus, it’s a full meal in one, packed with protein and flavors that everyone will love. You’ll impress your family and friends with this satisfying dish!
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 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken)
- 1 1/2 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:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente. Drain the spaghetti and toss it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti cooks, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In the last minute of cooking the chicken, add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir well, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the rest of the minced garlic. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- Add the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated. Place the chicken on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce warm, right from the skillet for a homey feel. You can top it with extra grated Parmesan and parsley for an elegant touch. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce.
How to Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
- Make sure to slice the chicken breasts thinly for quicker cooking.
- Don’t skip the Cajun seasoning; it really elevates the flavor.
- Use fresh garlic for the best taste.
- If you want it spicier, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or even vegetables for a meatless version. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked properly.
FAQs
Q: Can I use whole grain or gluten-free spaghetti?
A: Yes, whole grain or gluten-free options work well as alternatives for traditional spaghetti.
Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?
A: You can reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then combine with the spaghetti before serving. Just reheat thoroughly.
Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce! It’s a delightful meal that will surely satisfy everyone at the table.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips For best results, slice thinly for quicker cooking.
- 12 oz spaghetti Whole grain or gluten-free options can be used.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh garlic for best taste.
- 1.5 tsp Cajun seasoning Can increase for spicier flavor.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper To taste.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken)
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Increase for more spice.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente. Drain the spaghetti and toss it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti cooks, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In the last minute of cooking the chicken, add minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir well, then remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the rest of the minced garlic. Allow to cook for about 1 minute, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- Add softened cream cheese, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce thicken for about 5 minutes.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated. Place the chicken on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
