Description
A comforting and creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti dish with garlic and mozzarella sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
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
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cream cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top, cover, and let sit for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
