Spicy Cajun Three-Cheese Chicken Spaghetti in Garlic Parmesan Cream Recipe
A rich and creamy chicken spaghetti dish tossed in a spicy three-cheese Cajun cream sauce and topped with crispy garlic Parmesan chicken strips. Perfect for weeknight dinners that crave bold, bold flavors with a comforting twist of creamy, cheesy goodness and a smoky, spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for coating chicken)
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz spaghetti, cooked al dente
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the sauce)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for the sauce)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh chopped parsley or dried herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken strips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat each strip with grated Parmesan. Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return chicken strips to the skillet and fold gently into the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dried herbs.
- Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls or on a serving platter, ensuring each portion includes chicken, spaghetti, and plenty of creamy sauce. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your desired level of spiciness.
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time; add it near the end to warm through.
- The sauce should be simmered gently over low heat to avoid splitting.
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken strips with plant-based alternatives or add roasted vegetables.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Keywords: spicy chicken spaghetti, Cajun chicken, three-cheese sauce, garlic parmesan cream, creamy pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe
