Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of comfort food that turns any evening into a satisfying, cozy moment. I made this on a whim one night when I wanted something indulgent yet bold, and I couldn’t believe how perfectly everything came together—from the smoky Cajun-spiced chicken to the silky garlic mozzarella sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti. It’s rich, cheesy, spicy, and absolutely unforgettable.

The contrast of textures is what truly makes this dish sing. You’ve got juicy, blackened chicken slices with a crisp sear, nestled on a bed of creamy, stretchy cheese-laced pasta that’s infused with buttery garlic and herbs. It’s the type of dinner that doesn’t need a second chance to impress. And the best part? It feels like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, but it’s incredibly easy to pull off at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this dish checks all the boxes. You’ll love it for its:

• Bold Cajun Flavor: Spicy, smoky, and just the right amount of heat.
• Ultra Creamy Sauce: Loaded with garlic and melty mozzarella that gives the most satisfying cheese pull.
• Quick Weeknight Potential: Despite how fancy it looks, it comes together fast.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easy to swap based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.
• Satisfying Texture: Crispy chicken paired with smooth pasta makes every bite count.

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What Kind of Spaghetti Should I Use for Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

When it comes to spaghetti for this dish, I usually go with classic durum wheat spaghetti—it holds up beautifully to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. You want something that can carry the weight of all that cheese and garlic without falling apart. If you’re going for a slightly more elevated texture, bronze-cut spaghetti has a rougher surface that helps the sauce cling even better.

If you’re trying to make this a little lighter, whole wheat spaghetti is a good option. It brings a nuttier flavor that pairs nicely with the Cajun seasoning. And if you’re gluten-free, use your favorite GF pasta, but cook it just shy of al dente so it doesn’t break down in the sauce.

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Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to swap ingredients if needed:

• Chicken: Boneless thighs work just as well as breasts, offering a juicier bite. Or use shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Mozzarella: Want a sharper flavor? Use provolone or gouda. For even more stretch, a bit of low-moisture mozzarella works beautifully.
• Spaghetti: Fettuccine or linguine are solid alternatives. Even short pastas like penne can do the job.
• Cream: No heavy cream? Whole milk with a tablespoon of butter is a good backup.
• Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have any, you can mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
• Garlic: Fresh is ideal, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.

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Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this dish shine. Each one has a role in creating that rich, bold, and comforting flavor.

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Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for seasoning, searing, and slicing over the pasta. They soak up the Cajun spices beautifully and cook quickly.

Cajun Seasoning
This is where the smoky, spicy flavor comes in. It transforms plain chicken into something with real personality and heat.

Spaghetti
The classic base. Spaghetti holds onto the creamy sauce like a dream and gives the perfect bite for twirling up those cheesy strands.

Mozzarella Cheese
The hero of the sauce. It melts into the cream and garlic, giving that irresistible stretchy texture and mellow, milky flavor.

Heavy Cream
Gives the sauce its luscious, rich consistency. It binds the cheese and garlic into a smooth coating for the pasta.

Fresh Garlic
Garlic adds depth and warmth to the sauce. When sautéed just right, it infuses the cream with its full flavor without overpowering.

Butter
Used to cook the garlic and start the sauce, butter adds a silky, buttery base note that carries the richness even further.

Olive Oil
A small drizzle for cooking the chicken. It helps give that beautiful, golden crust when searing the seasoned meat.

Parsley (Fresh or Dried)
Adds a fresh pop of color and a slight herbal note to balance the heaviness of the cheese and cream.

Salt and Pepper
Simple, but essential. These seasonings help balance everything and elevate the final taste.

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Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps them sear better. Generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a little cracked black pepper. Let it sit at room temperature while you prep the rest of the ingredients so the spices really sink in.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until you get a deep golden-brown crust and the inside reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to rest, then slice into strips just before serving.

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Step 3: Boil the Spaghetti

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water just in case you want to thin the sauce later.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (wipe out any excess oil, but keep the flavor bits), melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it warm up. Slowly add shredded mozzarella, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

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Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of pasta water will loosen it up perfectly. Add a handful of chopped parsley and a little extra Cajun seasoning if you want more kick.

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Step 6: Plate and Serve

Pile the creamy spaghetti onto plates or into bowls, then top with the sliced Cajun chicken. Let the heat from the pasta slightly melt the cheese that’s clinging to the chicken—it’s magic. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crack of black pepper.

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How Long to Cook Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This dish comes together surprisingly fast, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive last-minute meal. Here’s the basic time breakdown:

• Chicken Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness)
• Pasta Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (based on package instructions for al dente)
• Sauce Cook Time: 5–7 minutes to melt the garlic, cream, and cheese into a silky consistency
• Total Cook Time: Around 25–30 minutes

That means you can go from raw ingredients to a restaurant-style plate of creamy Cajun goodness in under half an hour.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

1. Let the chicken rest after cooking
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist when sliced.

2. Don’t overcook the pasta
Aim for al dente. Overcooked spaghetti becomes too soft and can’t hold the sauce properly.

3. Use freshly shredded mozzarella
Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded melts like a dream.

4. Adjust the Cajun spice to your taste
Some Cajun blends are saltier or spicier than others. Taste and tweak as needed—you can always add heat, but you can’t take it away.

5. Save pasta water
A splash of pasta water can revive the sauce if it thickens too much while combining.

6. Use a large skillet
You’ll want enough space to toss the pasta and sauce together evenly without overcrowding.

7. Garnish smartly
A sprinkle of parsley and an extra dash of Cajun seasoning right before serving makes the plate pop both visually and in flavor.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few things that can throw it off if you’re not careful:

1. Overcooking the Chicken
Cajun seasoning can burn quickly due to its spice content. Keep your heat medium-high and flip the chicken as soon as a crust forms to avoid drying it out or burning the outer layer.

2. Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
As tempting as it is, pre-shredded mozzarella doesn’t melt as smoothly and can lead to a grainy sauce. Always go for the block cheese and shred it fresh.

3. Not Salting the Pasta Water
Pasta water should be salty like the sea. It’s your only chance to season the pasta from within.

4. Adding Cheese Too Fast
Dumping all the cheese in at once can result in clumps. Add it gradually and stir continuously over low heat.

5. Skipping the Rest Time for Chicken
Slicing the chicken right after it comes off the heat will cause the juices to run out. Let it rest 5–10 minutes to lock in moisture.

6. Making the Sauce on High Heat
Mozzarella melts best gently. High heat can cause it to clump or separate, making the sauce greasy.

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What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This dish is already rich and filling, so side dishes should balance it out or complement its bold flavors. Here are some ideas:

Garlicky Roasted Broccoli

The slight bitterness of roasted broccoli balances the richness of the cheese sauce.

Crisp Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A fresh, tangy salad cuts through the creaminess and keeps the meal feeling light.

Warm Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Cajun Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn with a smoky, spicy butter rub enhances the Cajun theme.

Pickled Veggies or Giardiniera

Add a sharp bite to refresh your palate between rich forkfuls.

Parmesan Crisps or Cheese Straws

Serve on the side or crumbled over the top for extra texture and saltiness.

Iced Tea with Citrus

A refreshing drink that’s cool and zesty to tame the heat in the dish.

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Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish stores really well and reheats beautifully with just a few tricks.

To Refrigerate:
Place any leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools slightly before sealing to avoid condensation.

To Reheat:
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and stir until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to keep the texture creamy.

To Freeze:
This isn’t the best dish for freezing due to the dairy in the sauce—it can separate. If you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat slowly with added cream or milk to restore texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings total):

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 43g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg

Keep in mind these numbers may vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions you use. To lighten the dish, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or reduce the cheese slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to get a good sear on the chicken?

Make sure the chicken is patted completely dry, the skillet is hot, and you don’t move the chicken around too soon. Let it cook undisturbed for at least 4–5 minutes per side.

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Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely. You can use a mild Cajun seasoning or cut the amount in half. If you’re cooking for kids, leave the Cajun spice off the chicken and sprinkle it on after cooking for the adults.

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What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but add a bit of butter (about 1 tablespoon) to maintain richness. Just note the sauce may be slightly thinner.

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How do I prevent the sauce from becoming stringy or oily?

Keep the heat low when melting the cheese, and add it gradually. Stir continuously and don’t let it boil—this keeps the mozzarella smooth and creamy.

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Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great. Just warm it up and toss it in at the end. It won’t have that Cajun crust, but it’ll still taste amazing.

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Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Totally. Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even crispy tofu. You can still use Cajun seasoning for that smoky flavor.

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What other cheeses work besides mozzarella?

Try provolone for meltiness, fontina for a creamy texture, or a touch of parmesan for sharpness. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt smoothly, like feta.

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Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. Reheat the sauce gently and toss everything together just before serving for best texture.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of dish that satisfies both comfort food cravings and a desire for bold, elevated flavors. It’s rich, creamy, just the right amount of spicy, and flexible enough to suit almost any pantry or taste. I keep this one in my regular dinner rotation because it feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting, feeding a crowd, or just cooking for yourself, this pasta delivers every time. The garlic mozzarella sauce alone is worth mastering—and once you do, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

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