Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a deliciously creamy and spicy pasta dish that combines tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a rich garlic mozzarella sauce. This flavorful meal offers a comforting yet exciting twist to classic spaghetti, making it perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it can be customized to suit various dietary preferences and spice levels.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta option)
Proteins
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), tender and juicy
Pasta
Seasonings & Spices
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cooking Oil
Optional Garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on all sides, ensuring full flavor coverage. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté the finely chopped onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the sliced Cajun chicken and cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is achieved. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately for the best creamy, melty, and spicy experience.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and creaminess.
- Rest the cooked chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust spice levels gradually by adding Cajun seasoning bit by bit and tasting as you go.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- When reheating leftovers, add a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, garlic mozzarella sauce, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner recipe, family-friendly, comforting meal