Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken pieces coated in Cajun spices combine with a rich, creamy sauce and tender spaghetti for a meal that’s both spicy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without letting it brown.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add the softened cream cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted and combined.
8. Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken is well distributed.
9. Step 9: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
• Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different creamy texture.
• Use penne or fettuccine instead of spaghetti for a different pasta experience.
• Add chopped bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for added vegetables and color.

Storage

Store leftover Cajun chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and provide a juicier texture. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat, depending on the brand. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less seasoning or including cayenne pepper.

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

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Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a flavorful and comforting one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces seasoned with Cajun spices, cooked in a creamy garlic sauce with cream cheese and a hint of smoked paprika. This hearty recipe brings a perfect balance of spice and creaminess to your dinner table, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Pasta

• 1 pound spaghetti

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken breast pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
4. Build the Creamy Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, continuing to stir to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Add Cream Cheese and Combine: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix to coat with the creamy sauce.
6. Toss with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated and heated through.
7. Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute the whole milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce or use a dairy-free alternative to make it lactose-free.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, spicy chicken pasta recipe, one-pan pasta dish, comfort food chicken recipe