Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Cook spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika for a bold, smoky flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
