Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Introduction

Looking to spice up your dinner routine with a meal that’s bold, creamy, and downright irresistible? Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce might just be your new favorite comfort food. This Southern-inspired dish blends juicy, well-seasoned chicken with pasta smothered in a rich, cheesy, garlic-infused cream sauce — and it’s got just enough Cajun heat to make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re craving something indulgent on a weeknight or planning a meal that’ll wow at the next family get-together, this pasta hits all the right notes. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to cooking tips, storage hacks, and FAQs — all while making sure this flavorful recipe is the star of your table.

Let’s dive right into what makes this creamy Cajun pasta dish a mouthwatering marvel.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Creating a bold, creamy, and comforting Cajun chicken pasta dish starts with choosing the right ingredients. From the smoky heat of Cajun spices to the silky smoothness of garlic mozzarella sauce, each component plays a starring role.

Let’s break it down so you can shop smart and cook with confidence.

Main Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this spicy creamy Cajun pasta at home:

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Juicy, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up Cajun flavor.
Optional: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re in a pinch.

Cajun Seasoning

A blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and a hint of salt.
You can make it at home or use a pre-mixed version. Just be cautious with salt levels.

Learn more about what goes into a good Cajun spice mix here.
Anchor text: What is Cajun seasoning?

Spaghetti

Standard spaghetti or angel hair pasta works great.
Want a twist? Try it with linguine or penne for a change in texture.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic brings the sharp, savory depth that makes the sauce truly addictive.

Mozzarella Cheese

Low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella melts smoothly and gives that stretchy, gooey finish we all love.

Heavy Cream

The base of your creamy sauce. Full-fat cream creates richness without curdling.

Butter

Used to sauté garlic and start the sauce — don’t skip it, it adds flavor and helps emulsify the cream.

Optional Add-Ins to Level Up the Flavor

Feel like jazzing up your dish even more? Here are some add-ins that complement this garlicky Cajun pasta beautifully:

Bell Peppers – Red, green, or yellow for crunch and color.
Mushrooms – Earthy tones that balance the spice.
Spinach – Toss in some greens for a nutritious punch.
Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle on top for extra umami depth.
Red Pepper Flakes – For heat-lovers who want a little extra fire.

Ingredient Substitutions That Still Work

Maybe you’re out of something — or you’re adjusting to fit a dietary need. No worries! This recipe is flexible:

For Cream or Butter

Use half-and-half, or a plant-based cream like coconut or cashew cream (though flavor will differ slightly).
Olive oil can replace butter for a lighter version.

For Mozzarella

Try Monterey Jack or provolone — they melt well and hold flavor.

For Pasta

Use gluten-free spaghetti or even zucchini noodles if you’re low-carb.

For Chicken

Swap with shrimp or turkey breast — just be sure to adjust cooking time.

Need help thickening your sauce if you’re skipping cream? Check out how to make a roux the right way.
Anchor text: how to make a roux

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

There’s nothing like a sizzling skillet of spicy Cajun chicken and creamy mozzarella sauce filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a total beginner, this simple recipe is designed to get dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.

Let’s walk through it one step at a time — you’ll be twirling cheesy pasta on your fork in no time.

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start with fresh or thawed chicken breasts or thighs. Slice them thinly or into bite-sized chunks for quick, even cooking.

Season generously with Cajun spice — about 1 to 1½ tablespoons per pound of chicken. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak in the bold, smoky flavors. You can even marinate the chicken for longer if you’ve got the time.

Quick tip: Don’t go too heavy on the salt if your Cajun mix is already salty!

Cooking the Chicken:

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken pieces until golden-brown on the outside and fully cooked inside (about 4–6 minutes per side).
Remove the chicken and set aside on a warm plate — cover to keep it juicy.

And boom! That sizzling, spicy goodness is already tempting you — but let’s keep moving.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While your chicken rests, get your pasta going.

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes, but check your box!).
Important: Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. It can help thin the sauce later and make it cling to the noodles.

Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse — you want the starch!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Cream Sauce

Now, the real magic begins.

In the same skillet you used for the chicken:

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium heat.
Toss in 4–5 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. (Don’t let it brown — burnt garlic = bitter sauce!)
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Now comes the cheesy glory.

Add 1½ to 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until it melts into a luscious, velvety sauce.

Optional: Add a touch of Parmesan for extra depth. You can even throw in a pinch of Cajun seasoning if you like more bite.

Curious why garlic is such a flavor powerhouse? Explore the health benefits of garlic for even more reasons to love this dish.
Anchor text: health benefits of garlic

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

You’ve got everything ready — now it’s time to bring it all together.

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic mozzarella sauce.
Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Toss until every noodle is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Gently fold in the Cajun chicken and let it heat through for a couple of minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary — maybe a pinch more Cajun spice or black pepper.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Spoon generous portions onto plates or into bowls.

Garnish with:

Chopped fresh parsley
Extra shredded mozzarella
A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or paprika
Cracked black pepper for a final flourish

And there you have it: restaurant-quality creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti made right at home, bursting with bold flavors and creamy comfort in every bite.

Recipe Variations for Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

What’s awesome about this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti is how versatile it is. Sure, the original is a knockout, but maybe you’re cooking for picky eaters, spice-sensitive kids, or you’re just looking to shake things up a bit.

Here are some crave-worthy variations to keep this dish fresh, fun, and flavorful — every single time.

Vegetarian Cajun Garlic Spaghetti

Who says you need chicken to enjoy all that cheesy Cajun goodness?

Swap the chicken for:

Sautéed mushrooms – they soak up Cajun spice like a champ.
Tofu or tempeh – lightly pan-fried and seasoned for a protein punch.
Roasted cauliflower or zucchini – adds texture and depth.

Use the same creamy garlic mozzarella sauce for a vegetarian-friendly twist that doesn’t skimp on comfort or flavor.

Want extra richness? Throw in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes — trust us, it’s dreamy.

Spicier Cajun Chicken Pasta

Feeling fiery? Turn up the heat!

Here’s how to give your spicy Cajun chicken pasta a bold kick:

Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce.
Drizzle on your favorite hot sauce before serving.
Use a smokier, hotter Cajun blend — or make your own with extra chili powder.

Just keep some cold water or milk nearby — you’ve been warned!

Cajun Shrimp or Sausage Spaghetti

Not into chicken? No problem.

Shrimp – Toss peeled, deveined shrimp with Cajun seasoning, then sear until pink. Add to the sauce just before serving.
Smoked sausage (like andouille) – Slice and brown it for that smoky-sweet-spicy combo. It blends beautifully with the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce.

Both options bring serious Louisiana vibes — rich, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

Lightened-Up Version

Want to enjoy this dish without all the indulgence?

Here’s how to make it a bit lighter:

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Opt for whole wheat or chickpea spaghetti for added fiber.
Go easy on the mozzarella or use reduced-fat versions.
Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying in oil.

Still creamy. Still flavorful. Just a little easier on the waistline.

Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Cajun Pasta

If you’re cutting carbs but still craving Cajun garlic chicken, don’t skip this recipe — modify it!

Replace the spaghetti with zoodles (zucchini noodles), shirataki noodles, or even spaghetti squash.
Use a keto-approved thickener for the sauce (like almond flour or cream cheese).
Stick to full-fat dairy for keto macros.

You’ll still get all the Cajun heat and creamy satisfaction — minus the carb overload.

Whatever your dietary needs or flavor mood, this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti with garlic mozzarella sauce can flex with you. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro chef to pull it off.

FAQs About Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Got questions? You’re not alone. Here are the most common ones folks ask when making creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti with garlic mozzarella sauce — answered with love, clarity, and a dash of seasoning.

What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning is a bold and zesty spice blend that typically includes:

Paprika (often smoked)
Cayenne pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Oregano
Thyme
Salt and black pepper

Every brand has its twist, but this is the classic flavor base. You can easily make it at home to control the heat and salt level.

Want to dive deeper into the components? Check out this helpful guide on what is Cajun seasoning.
Anchor text: What is Cajun seasoning

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pasta dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store the pasta and sauce separately if possible to avoid mushy noodles.

For make-ahead tips:

Keep the sauce slightly thinner when prepping — it thickens as it sits.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

How do I thicken my cream sauce?

Great question! If your garlic mozzarella cream sauce feels too thin, here are some easy fixes:

Simmer it longer — evaporation naturally thickens it.
Add more mozzarella — it melts and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Use a roux — a mixture of butter and flour. Learn more here.
Anchor text: how to make a roux

Avoid using too much cornstarch — it can alter the texture and make it grainy.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Pre-shredded mozzarella often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best texture in your creamy garlic pasta sauce, always shred cheese fresh from the block.

But hey, if you’re short on time, pre-shredded will still get the job done — just know the sauce may not be as velvety.

Is this dish spicy?

Yes, but it’s totally manageable! The Cajun seasoning brings a bit of heat, but the creamy mozzarella sauce balances it out nicely. If you’re spice-sensitive, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder blend.

Want it hotter? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a fiery twist.

Can I make this gluten-free or keto?

Totally!

For gluten-free:

Use gluten-free spaghetti or pasta.
Double-check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t include hidden gluten (some blends might).

For keto/low-carb:

Swap spaghetti with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or shirataki noodles.
Stick to full-fat dairy and reduce the pasta-to-protein ratio.

With just a few smart swaps, you can enjoy this garlicky Cajun chicken pasta without stepping off your eating plan.

If you’ve got more questions, drop them in the comments or shoot us a message — because great food shouldn’t be confusing, just delicious.

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