Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a creamy, spicy cheese sauce and topped with seared chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs), sliced into thin strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 7 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and 3 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the seasoned chicken strips until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute, tossing it in the garlic butter for added flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Melt remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the additional minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let this mixture simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add in the softened cream cheese, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt completely into a thick, glossy sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce, making sure every strand is fully coated in the spicy three-cheese cream.
- Plate the spaghetti and arrange the Cajun chicken on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnishing.
Notes
Trim excess fat from chicken breasts for a more tender bite. Taste seasonings as you go for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Garlic, Parmesan, Chicken, Spaghetti, Cajun, Cream Sauce