This Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate one-pan comfort food for pasta lovers. Juicy, seasoned chicken meets tender spaghetti tossed in a luscious Cajun cream sauce that’s rich, spicy, and full of Southern flair. The first time I made this recipe, the aroma of garlic, paprika, and creamy cheese sauce filled the kitchen—it smelled like something straight out of a cozy New Orleans bistro. Each forkful is creamy, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, making it an irresistible dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy Cajun spaghetti has it all—comfort, flavor, and a little heat. The Cajun seasoning gives it a bold, smoky kick, while the creamy sauce balances everything with velvety richness. You’ll love how easy it is to make, all in one pot, with simple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add shrimp, sausage, or veggies to make it your own. It’s pasta night with a Cajun twist!
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Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti – A Spicy, Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a flavor-packed pasta dish featuring juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken tossed in a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with garlic, bell peppers, and bold Cajun spices. It’s rich, spicy, and irresistibly comforting — perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti (or linguine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked spaghetti and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors blend. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Use penne or fettuccine if you prefer a different pasta shape.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless and skinless. Cut into strips or cubes for even cooking.
Spaghetti: The perfect pasta for coating in creamy sauce—though linguine or fettuccine work too.
Cajun Seasoning: A spicy, smoky blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
Butter and Olive Oil: Used together for searing chicken and building the base of the sauce.
Onion and Bell Peppers: Add sweetness and color while balancing the heat.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with rich, savory flavor.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth while keeping the sauce smooth.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty richness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Cream Cheese (optional): Makes the sauce extra creamy and velvety.
Smoked Paprika: Adds depth and enhances that signature Cajun smokiness.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, for balance.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze at the end brightens the whole dish.
Directions
Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits. Stir in heavy cream, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce along with the chicken, tossing everything together. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 25 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also freeze for up to 2 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta: Add shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking for a surf-and-turf version.
Extra Spicy: Increase the Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for more heat.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
Smoky Sausage Twist: Add sliced andouille sausage for extra Cajun authenticity.
Cheesy Cajun Spaghetti: Stir in extra Parmesan or mozzarella for a thicker, gooier sauce.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Cajun Alfredo: Add a touch of cream cheese and more Parmesan for a thicker, Alfredo-style sauce.
One-Pot Version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth for easy cleanup.
Garlic Lover’s Dream: Double the garlic for a more intense, savory punch.
Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle fresh thyme or basil just before serving for added aroma.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by using less Cajun seasoning or removing cayenne.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cheese.
What’s the best chicken cut to use?
Chicken breasts are lean and tender, while thighs add extra juiciness.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce and chicken can be made in advance—just reheat and toss with fresh pasta.
How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or add Greek yogurt for a creamy yet light version.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, skip the chicken and use roasted vegetables or tofu instead.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it to your desired consistency.
What sides go best with it?
Garlic bread, side salad, or roasted asparagus pair perfectly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove.
Conclusion
This Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti brings a little Louisiana spice to your dinner table. With its smoky Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and perfectly tender chicken, it’s comfort food with personality. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, it’s the kind of pasta dish that turns any ordinary night into a deliciously bold occasion. Serve it with garlic bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress.
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