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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

A decadent and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti tossed in a spicy Cajun cream sauce, combining tender Parmesan-crusted chicken strips with a rich blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken)

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • 1½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain, toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Press the grated Parmesan onto the chicken strips to form a light crust.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4–6 minutes, flipping as needed, until cooked through and golden brown.
  4. Add Garlic to Chicken: During the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of butter and half of the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to infuse the butter with garlic flavor. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Sauté Remaining Garlic: Into the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the rest of the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring and bringing to a simmer. Add the cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Gradually stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and incorporated. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich and creamy.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss with tongs to evenly coat the pasta in the cheesy Cajun cream sauce. Let it sit on low heat for an additional minute to soak in the flavors.
  10. Plate and Garnish: Serve the spaghetti topped with the Parmesan-crusted chicken strips. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and crust adherence to the chicken.
  • You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure not to overcook spaghetti; al dente texture works best for this dish.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, Cajun Cream Sauce, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Parmesan Crusted Chicken, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, One Pan Pasta, Dinner Recipe

Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-spaghetti-in-spicy-cajun-cream-sauce-recipe/