Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti combines tender, spicy chicken with a rich garlic mozzarella sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Step 7: Add cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Step 9: Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
10. Step 10: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
12. Step 12: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use smoked sausage or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option.
• To lighten the dish, substitute half-and-half for whole milk and reduce the cream cheese by half.
• Fresh parsley adds a bright color and freshness—don’t skip the garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while spaghetti works well, you can substitute fettuccine, penne, or any pasta shape that holds sauce nicely.

Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Cajun seasoning usually has a moderate level of heat with a smoky, savory flavor, but the spiciness can vary. Adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

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This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich, creamy garlic cheese sauce. The dish is topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, delivering a luscious and satisfying dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken & Seasonings

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
2. Season chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika for a bold, smoky flavor.
3. Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Make garlic butter roux: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to develop the sauce’s base flavor.
5. Create sauce base: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flavor and form a smooth roux.
6. Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens slightly.
7. Add cheeses: Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Season sauce: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to taste.
9. Combine chicken with sauce: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet and simmer the sauce with the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
10. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles thoroughly with the creamy sauce and chicken.
11. Top with cheese and melt: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts into a gooey, cheesy topping.
12. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

• You can adjust the Cajun seasoning level to your spice preference or omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
• Using whole milk and cream cheese helps create a rich, creamy sauce, but you can substitute with lower-fat versions if preferred.
• Cooking the pasta al dente is important to prevent overcooked noodles when tossed in the sauce.
• Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.

Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta recipe