Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken tossed in a rich, garlicky mozzarella sauce and combined with perfectly cooked spaghetti. The creamy sauce is enriched with cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella, making it an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 the spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season the chicken: While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika evenly to ensure bold flavors.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6–8 minutes or until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the sauce base: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to activate the thickening.
- Add cheeses: Stir in softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing until fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Finish the sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for extra heat to your taste.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through and well coated.
- Toss spaghetti in sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Melt the cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
- Whole milk provides the best creamy texture; however, you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note but is optional.
Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta, mozzarella sauce, garlic chicken pasta, one-pan chicken spaghetti
