Description
A comforting creamy pasta dish featuring Cajun chicken and a rich three-cheese Alfredo sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 18 oz spaghetti
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 6–7 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 3/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 3/8 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 1/2 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Reserve a small splash of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and about 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, stirring occasionally. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and deglaze the flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add in the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Gradually mix in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes ultra-smooth and rich.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and lemon juice; then add crushed red pepper flakes if you desire a bit more heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing well to coat it thoroughly. If necessary, loosen the mixture with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Gently mix in the chicken, allowing everything to warm together for a minute so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley over the top.
Notes
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to lock in the juices. Pay attention to the garlic while cooking, as it can easily burn.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy pasta, family recipe, quick dinner