Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich and flavorful one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken strips coated in a savory Parmesan and Cajun spice mix, all tossed with al dente spaghetti in a creamy, garlicky Cajun sauce. Perfect for those craving a hearty, spicy pasta dish with a creamy finish and a touch of heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting)
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Prepare Chicken Coating: In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken strips in this mixture until fully coated, ensuring each piece is well seasoned.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken strips and sear for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cajun Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese and Spice: Mix in the Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Together: Return the cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap spaghetti with roasted spaghetti squash.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste to increase or decrease the spice level.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic, sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- You can add more chicken broth to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Keywords: Garlic, Parmesan, Chicken, Spaghetti, Cajun, Cream Sauce, Pasta, One-Pan, Spicy
