Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring al dente spaghetti wrapped in a creamy garlic mozzarella sauce with tender Cajun-spiced chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 spaghetti
- 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, massaging the spices into the chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet, whisk to form a roux, and gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer to thicken.
- Stir in cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth. Add Parmesan and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Return chicken to the skillet and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Toss drained spaghetti into the sauce, mixing to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Top with remaining mozzarella, cover, and heat for 2 to 3 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
For variations, you can swap pasta types or add caramelized onions for extra flavor. Adjust Cajun seasoning for desired heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, garlic mozzarella, weeknight dinner