Description
This creamy and cheesy Cajun garlic chicken spaghetti is loaded with robust flavors, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just tender. This usually takes 7-8 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water if needed later.
- While the spaghetti cooks, season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- Lower the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and deglaze the pan.
- Next, add the Velveeta cheese and stir until melted, then mix in the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet, mixing thoroughly. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing gently to heat through.
- Serve warm, topped with chopped parsley.
Notes
This dish is great for meal prep. You can make extra servings and reheat throughout the week. Adjust spice levels according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Spaghetti, Comfort Food, Creamy Pasta