🔥 Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Quick Description:
Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy—this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti brings bold Cajun flavor together with tender chicken, silky garlic mozzarella sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a restaurant-style dinner made right in your kitchen.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories per Serving: ~580 kcal

  • Dietary Badges: High-Protein, Comfort Food, Weeknight Favorite

âś… Ingredients

For the Cajun Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

  • 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you love)

For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh chopped parsley

🔄 Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti to al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.

  2. Season & Cook Chicken:
    Toss sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.

  3. Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Thin with reserved pasta water as needed.

  4. Combine It All:
    Toss the cooked pasta and Cajun chicken into the skillet. Coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce.

  5. Serve & Garnish:
    Plate immediately and top with fresh parsley. Optional: add extra Parmesan for good measure!

Introduction

This is one of those meals—the kind you make once, and suddenly everyone is asking for it every week. The tender Cajun-spiced chicken brings the heat, the garlic mozzarella sauce cools it down with creamy decadence, and it all hugs the pasta like a big flavor-packed bear hug.

I first made this for a Friday date night at home, and my husband swore it was better than anything we’d order out. Bonus: the leftovers (if you have any!) are absolutely divine the next day.

🧄 Kristy’s Cooking Tips

1. Cajun Seasoning Matters

Use your favorite Cajun blend, or mix your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Go bold—it’s the star!

2. Don’t Burn the Garlic

Sauté garlic just until fragrant. If it browns, it can taste bitter and overpower the cheese.

3. Save That Pasta Water

It’s your sauce’s best friend—perfect for thinning and helping everything cling to the noodles.

đź’ˇ Want to lighten it up? Sub half-and-half for cream or use Greek yogurt for a protein punch!

Ingredient Highlights & Swaps

Ingredient Why It Works Substitutes
Cajun chicken Adds bold heat & protein Shrimp or andouille sausage
Mozzarella cheese Creamy, stretchy texture Fontina or Monterey Jack
Parmesan cheese Salty & sharp Pecorino Romano
Spaghetti Holds sauce well Penne, linguine, or gluten-free pasta
Heavy cream Velvety sauce base Half-and-half or evaporated milk

Flavor Variations & Pairings

Try This:

  • Spicier Kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.

  • Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers.

  • Meaty Option: Sub grilled Cajun shrimp or sausage for chicken.

Perfect With:

  • Garlic bread or crusty baguette

  • Simple side salad with vinaigrette

  • A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.

  • Freezer-Friendly? Not ideal—the dairy may separate. Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving Approx.)

  • Calories: 580 kcal

  • Protein: 38g

  • Carbs: 42g

  • Fat: 31g (Saturated: 17g)

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Sodium: 740mg

  • W-W Points: 9–11 (adjust based on cream and cheese amounts)

FAQs

Q: Can I make this with shrimp instead of chicken?
A: Yes! Cajun shrimp cooks in just 3–4 minutes—add after the sauce is ready.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, make the sauce and chicken ahead. Cook pasta fresh, then toss everything together before serving.

Q: Can I make it less rich?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly. It’ll still be delicious!

Q: Is this spicy?
A: It has a flavorful kick, not overwhelming. Reduce Cajun seasoning or add a splash of cream to cool it down.

Kristy’s Note

This recipe was born on a weeknight when I had cream, cheese, garlic, and a craving for something comforting with a little kick. Cajun chicken brings life to the creamy pasta, and the garlic mozzarella sauce? Let’s just say it deserves its own fan club.

It’s indulgent in all the right ways—and surprisingly easy for such a showstopper meal!

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Call to Action

Tried this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti? I’d love to see your version! Tag me @KristyCooksW-W on Instagram or leave a review below. What protein did you use? Let’s chat and share ideas! 🍝🔥💬

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