CREAMY CAJUN CHICKEN SPAGHETTI ULTIMATE

Imagine twirling your fork into a plate piled high with creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting noodles, each strand coated in a rich Cajun sauce and studded with tender pieces of chicken. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti, a dish that banishes boring weeknight dinners forever. I promise, after one bite, you’ll be hooked!

The Dream Team: What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Pasta

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water)

• Cajun Sauce

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated. This is your foundation for amazing Chicken Dishes Recipes.

2. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Remember, browned chicken equals flavor!

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. This is key for a great Pasta Dinner Recipe.

2. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This starchy water is liquid gold – it helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a beautifully creamy texture. Trust me on this one!

3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

Crafting the Cajun Sauce:

1. In the same skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. These aromatics are the backbone of our Cajun flavor profile. Don’t rush this step; let them get nice and tender.

2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

3. Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember, you can always add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

4. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the Cajun sauce. Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring that every strand is covered in the creamy, flavorful sauce. Use tongs to toss the pasta and chicken together gently.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.

2. Enjoy every delicious bite! This dish is best served warm and is even better the next day (if you have any leftovers!).

Spice It Up: Cajun Seasoning 101

Cajun seasoning is the heart and soul of this dish, giving it that signature spicy and savory flavor. But what exactly is in it? Most Cajun seasoning blends include a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, white pepper, oregano, thyme, and salt. You can find pre-made Cajun seasoning at most grocery stores, or you can easily make your own at home! If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different ratios of spices to create your perfect blend.

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Pasta

Even the best cooks encounter hiccups in the kitchen. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Sauce Too Thick: Add a splash of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce Too Thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Pasta is Sticky: Make sure to use enough water when boiling the pasta and don’t overcook it. Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
• Chicken is Dry: Don’t overcook the chicken! Cook it just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces helps it cook more quickly and evenly.

Variations and Add-Ins: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking with these variations and add-ins:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach along with the onions and bell peppers.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Add Cheese: Stir in some shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan cheese for a cheesier sauce.
• Use Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or Andouille sausage for a different flavor profile. You might also like Creamy Cajun Shrimp Crab Pasta.
• Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cream cheese instead of heavy cream, and add extra vegetables.

Complete the Meal: Side Dish Suggestions

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side dish. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that’s always a hit.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful additions to the meal.

Cajun Cooking: A Flavorful Tradition

This recipe is just one delicious example of Cajun Recipes. Cajun cooking is a rustic cuisine that originated in Louisiana, known for its bold flavors and generous use of spices. Key ingredients include the “holy trinity” of onions, bell peppers, and celery, as well as staples like rice, seafood, and meats. Cajun dishes are often seasoned with a blend of spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like to try Cajun Smoked Sausage Alfredo Pasta or even Cajun Sausage Pasta for a similarly satisfying experience. For a fun twist, check out Cajun Chicken Sloppy Joes Ultimate!

Perfect For Meal Prep

Looking to get ahead? This Chicken Dinner Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! Simply cook the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately, then combine and portion into containers. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. For an even easier approach, consider Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!

Enjoy Your Delicious Creation!

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti as much as I do! It’s a truly satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and add-ins to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Ultimate

Alice Yowell

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Ultimate is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken and spaghetti are coated in a rich, spicy Cajun sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Cajun

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Colander
• Tongs
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 lb spaghetti
• Water for boiling
• 1 tbsp salt for pasta water
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning or more, to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
• Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
• In the same skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (or more, to taste). Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the Cajun sauce. Gently fold in the cooked spaghetti, ensuring that every strand is covered in the creamy, flavorful sauce.
• Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or Andouille sausage.