Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with al dente spaghetti, and enveloped in a rich, creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce made from mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish balances spicy heat with luscious creaminess for a satisfying pasta experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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 pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken: While pasta cooks, season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make roux: Sprinkle flour into the butter and garlic, whisking continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux and remove the raw flour taste.
- 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, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to your taste.
- Reintroduce chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Combine pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to thoroughly coat the pasta in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Melt topping cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes off heat until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese for added brightness and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta alternatives.
- Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can add color and nutrients to the dish.
Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta, garlic mozzarella sauce, creamy cajun chicken, one-pan pasta dish, easy dinner recipe
