If you are craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, creamy yet packed with a spicy kick, then you are going to love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken strips tossed in a luscious, cheesy sauce infused with Italian herbs and a bold Cajun flair, all wrapped around perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s comfort food with a kick, and once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to weeknight favorites for sure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the tender chicken and al dente pasta to the rich, melty cheeses and aromatic herbs that create a sauce bursting with flavor and creamy texture.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced thinly for quick cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings a gooey, mild cheesiness that melts flawlessly.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor that balances the creaminess.
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened): Essential for giving the sauce a luxuriously smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings aromatic complexity and warmth.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet herbal note that brightens the dish.
- Fresh parsley: For a vibrant, fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Begin by preparing the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Cooking it until just al dente is key because you want the pasta to hold a firm bite when it soaks up the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in some oil. Add the sliced chicken breasts and sauté until they turn a beautiful golden brown, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This step seals in the chicken’s juices and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom; these add incredible flavor. Stir in the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and softened cream cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and dried basil, then cook gently until all the cheese melts into a thick, luscious sauce that clings to the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Combine Spaghetti and Sauce
Return the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss it with the creamy sauce and chicken. Make sure every strand is fully coated so that each bite delivers the perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and tender chicken.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Plate your creation while it’s warm and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. The parsley adds a fresh and slightly peppery kick that cuts through the richness, making each mouthful vibrant and satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic choice for this dish, adding a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor. For an extra touch, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, like a tangy arugula salad or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the creamy Cajun flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in small cast iron skillets straight from the stove to the table. Or, create a hearty pasta bake by transferring it to a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors tend to deepen overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and enjoy it as deliciously creamy as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully here, feel free to swap it for fettuccine, penne, or even rotini. Just keep cooking times in mind to ensure the pasta remains al dente.
How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe?
This recipe offers a gentle Cajun flavor that’s more aromatic and savory than overly spicy, making it approachable for most palates. You can increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or hot paprika if you crave more spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce and chicken will remain just as delicious without any gluten.
Is it necessary to use both mozzarella and cheddar cheeses?
Using both cheeses creates a beautiful balance of gooey meltiness from mozzarella and sharp tang from cheddar, giving the sauce complex richness. However, you can experiment with just one type if preferred.
Can I prep parts of this dish in advance?
You can cook the pasta ahead and store it separately, and even slice the chicken in advance. For best results, combine and finish cooking the sauce fresh to keep it creamy and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe is a wonderful way to add a little excitement to your dinner rotation without fuss or fancy ingredients. It’s cozy, vibrant, and easy enough to whip up any night — perfect for impressing loved ones or treating yourself. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed to perfection, tossed with al dente spaghetti and smothered in a rich, cheesy Cajun-inspired sauce. Infused with Italian seasoning and dried basil, this flavorful pasta is topped with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish, making it an ideal meal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (for sautéing chicken)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breasts and sauté until they are browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet with the cooked chicken. Then stir in the shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and softened cream cheese along with the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until the cheeses completely melt and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce and chicken. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti and garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy pasta dish.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle in some Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the chicken.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother melting sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
