Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a delicious blend of spices, chicken, and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. I like to cook it just until al dente so it holds up beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- Prepare the garlic base – In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. The smell at this stage is already irresistible.
- Build the creamy sauce – Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add the Cajun seasoning – Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This is where the dish gets its signature bold flavor.
- Melt the cheeses – Add Parmesan cheese first, stirring until melted. Then mix in mozzarella and cheddar cheese, allowing them to melt slowly into the sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Add chicken and pasta – Stir the cooked chicken into the sauce, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together so the pasta becomes fully coated in the creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Finish and garnish – Let the pasta cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend together. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a little extra heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs nicely with a robust white wine.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg