Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

Chicken spaghetti is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are combined with a creamy, cheesy sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. Its rich, savory taste and slight Cajun kick make it a family favorite.

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
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, season chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Step 7: Add cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
9. Step 9: Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
10. Step 10: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for additional flavor and color.
• Use gluten-free pasta if avoiding gluten.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder dish.

Storage

Store leftover chicken spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil, use dairy-free cream cheese and milk alternatives, and replace mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheese options.

Chicken Spaghetti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

This creamy and flavorful Chicken Spaghetti recipe features tender Cajun-seasoned chicken tossed with al dente spaghetti in a rich, cheesy sauce made from cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The sauce is perfectly balanced with a hint of smoked paprika and garlic, making it an irresistible comfort food perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 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
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

1. Cook Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika evenly to infuse flavor.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant to develop the base flavor.
5. Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the butter and garlic and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux which will thicken the sauce.
6. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken.
7. Melt Cheeses: Add the cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring until both are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Finish Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, adjusting to taste.
9. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to heat through.
10. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning.
• You can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
• This recipe can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• To make it gluten free, use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Chicken Spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, Cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner recipes, cheesy spaghetti, comfort food