Description
Turn up your weeknight dinner game with this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce—a bold and comforting pasta dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Juicy, golden-seared Cajun chicken sits atop a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, drenched in a rich, velvety garlic-mozzarella cream sauce. It’s the ultimate easy dinner idea packed with flavor and creamy goodness, making it one of those go-to quick meals that feels like a special treat. Whether you’re browsing dinner ideas or looking for a savory comfort food recipe, this one checks every box.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz spaghetti
salt for pasta water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them on both sides with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream, then whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
7. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce and stir until well coated. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Plate pasta and top with chicken, parsley, and extra cheese or pepper if desired.
Notes
Freshly shredded mozzarella melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Always rest your chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use the leftover fond in the skillet to boost the sauce’s flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous plate
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, garlic mozzarella pasta, spicy chicken spaghetti, comfort food, pasta dinner, quick pasta meal