When you want a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce hits the spot perfectly. It’s one of those recipes that came into my life on a busy evening when I needed dinner fast but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor or richness. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, spicy kick that wakes up the taste buds, while the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce wraps the tender chicken and spaghetti in silky goodness.
What I love most about this recipe is how it manages to feel indulgent without being complicated. The sauce is creamy but lightened with chicken broth and whole milk, making it just right for a cozy dinner. Plus, the mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating gooey pockets of cheesy delight that cling to the spaghetti’s long strands. This dish is perfect for a family meal, a casual get-together, or any time you crave that satisfying blend of spice, creaminess, and cheesy comfort.
It’s also incredibly versatile, easy to prepare in about 30 minutes, and perfect for anyone who loves pasta with a little kick. Trust me, once you try it, this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Essential Elements and Equipment
To make this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti come together beautifully, here are the essentials:
- Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce all in one pan, building flavor, and reducing dishes.
- Large pot: To cook the spaghetti perfectly al dente before combining it with the sauce.
- Whisk: Essential for making a smooth roux and incorporating liquids without lumps.
- Oven-safe baking dish or skillet: For broiling the cheesy topping to golden, bubbly perfection.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: To prep your chicken and garlic evenly and safely.
Having these basics ready means a smooth, enjoyable cooking process and delicious results.
What Makes This Recipe Work
Several key factors make this recipe truly shine:
- Bold Cajun seasoning: The chicken is generously coated with Cajun spices and smoked paprika, creating a flavorful crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic butter roux base: Melting butter and cooking garlic with flour creates a thick, flavorful base that ensures the sauce is velvety smooth and luscious.
- Balanced creamy sauce: Using both whole milk and chicken broth lightens the sauce while keeping it rich, and cream cheese adds depth and silkiness.
- Melty mozzarella and Parmesan: Mozzarella provides gooey, stretchy cheese pulls while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that brightens the sauce.
- Perfect pasta shape: Spaghetti’s long strands hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is rich and flavorful.
- Broiled cheese topping: The final broil adds a golden bubbly crust that elevates the dish to something special.
Together, these elements create a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and impressive without being complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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 of spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Preparation
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 6: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add 1½ cups mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a large oven-safe dish or skillet. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 8: Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, flavorful Cajun chicken spaghetti!
Easy Variations to Try
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a wonderfully adaptable recipe. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Swap the chicken: Try shrimp, scallops, or Italian sausage for a delicious alternative protein. You can also use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when you cook the chicken to add color, texture, and nutrition.
- Make it lighter: Replace whole milk with half-and-half or a milk alternative, and reduce the butter to cut calories without sacrificing too much creaminess.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux.
- Turn up the heat: Omit red pepper flakes for a milder dish, or add extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper if you like things spicy.
- Cheese swaps: Use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheesy profile.
Don’t hesitate to experiment and tailor the recipe to your taste buds and dietary preferences!
How to Serve
- Fresh green salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls: Serve warm bread to mop up every last bit of sauce, because no bite of this dish should go wasted.
- Roasted or steamed veggies: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli lightly tossed with olive oil and a pinch of salt make excellent sides, balancing richness with natural crunch and color.
- Herb garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, basil, or chives over the top just before serving for a burst of color and fresh aroma.
For drinks, go for sparkling water, iced tea, or a citrusy lemonade to cleanse the palate and complement the creamy, cheesy richness without overwhelming your taste buds.
Recipe Tips
- Pat chicken dry: This helps achieve a nice sear and better flavor development when cooking.
- Cook pasta al dente: It will continue to absorb sauce, so avoid overcooking for best texture.
- Room temperature cream cheese: Makes it melt smoothly into the sauce without clumps.
- Whisk constantly: When making the roux and adding liquids, constant whisking prevents lumps and burning.
- Add cheese gradually: Melt cheeses slowly on low heat to keep sauce silky and prevent separation.
- Reserve pasta water: Keep some to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring perfect consistency.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life without drying.
Cooking Notes
- Use a wide skillet or sauté pan for even heat distribution and easy stirring.
- Keep sauce at a gentle simmer, avoid boiling to maintain smooth texture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning after adding cheese, since it adds salt naturally.
- Finely chop garlic to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Watch the cheese topping closely when broiling to prevent burning.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 750
- Protein: About 50g
- Sodium: Around 900mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. They may take a couple of minutes longer to cook through but work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for the roux. The dish will still be delicious and creamy.
Q4: How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has moderate heat from the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less seasoning or omitting the flakes altogether.
Conclusion
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a dish that beautifully balances indulgence with approachable flavors. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The tender Cajun-seasoned chicken combined with the velvety garlic-infused cheese sauce wrapped around spaghetti is pure comfort in every bite.
This recipe has become a favorite because it’s easy to make, wonderfully satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you want to add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust the spice level, it welcomes your personal touch. Give this creamy Cajun pasta a try, and I’m confident it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation, just as it has in mine.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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 of spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
Step 1: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 6: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add 1½ cups mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a large oven-safe dish or skillet. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 8: Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, flavorful Cajun chicken spaghetti!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 750
- Sodium: 900
- Protein: 50