Easy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Oh, I remember the first time I made this dish. It was a weeknight, the kind where you’re totally wiped and just want something comforting and delicious without a whole lot of fuss. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce was an absolute lifesaver! It’s the kind of meal that wraps you up in a warm hug, and the whole family devours it. Plus, it comes together so quickly, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

• Fast: Perfect for busy evenings, on the table in under 30 minutes!
• Easy: Simple steps that even beginner cooks can master.
• Giftable: Imagine bringing this over to a friend who just had a baby or is feeling under the weather. It’s a thoughtful, homemade gift!
• Crowd-pleasing: From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, everyone tends to rave about this one.

Ingredients

Gather these goodies, and let’s get cooking:

• 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced: This makes sure the chicken cooks quickly and distributes nicely throughout the pasta.
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens – that little kick of smoky, spicy flavor!
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For getting that chicken perfectly seared.
• Salt and pepper to taste: The essentials for bringing out all the flavors.
• 4 tbsp butter: The base for our incredibly creamy sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Because what’s better than garlic? Lots of garlic!
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps to thicken our luscious sauce.
• 2 cups milk: We’re talking whole milk here for the richest flavor and texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For that ultimate velvety smoothness.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey goodness – the star of the sauce!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese sauce.
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little extra warmth, add these!
• 12 oz spaghetti pasta: Your favorite kind will do!
• Salt for pasta water: Don’t forget this step – it seasons the pasta from the inside out.
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional garnish): A little pop of freshness and color to finish.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Ready to whip up some deliciousness? It’s as easy as 1-2-3 (almost!):

1. Cook the Pasta:

   First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Make sure to add a generous pinch of salt – this is key for flavorful pasta! Cook your spaghetti according to the package directions until it’s perfectly ‘al dente’ (that means it still has a slight bite). Once it’s ready, drain it well and set it aside. We’ll meet it again soon!

2. Prepare the Cajun Chicken:

   While the pasta is doing its thing, let’s tackle the chicken. Toss those thinly sliced chicken breasts with your Cajun seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Get a large skillet nice and warm over medium-high heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Add your seasoned chicken and let it cook for about 5–7 minutes. You want it to be cooked all the way through and get a lovely little golden-brown sear on it. Once it’s done, scoop it out of the skillet and set it aside with the pasta. Don’t clean that skillet – it’s got all the flavor we need for our sauce!

3. Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:

   Now for the star of the show! In that same skillet (yes, the one with all those tasty chicken bits!), melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute or two until it smells amazing – be careful not to burn it! Now, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it around with the butter and garlic. Keep whisking for about a minute to create a little roux. This is what’s going to make our sauce thick and luxurious. Slowly, and I mean slowly, start whisking in the milk and then the heavy cream. Keep stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken up, which usually takes about 3–5 minutes. Lower the heat to low and stir in your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until it’s all beautifully melted and smooth. Taste it and season with a little more salt, pepper, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling it. This sauce is pure creamy magic!

4. Combine Everything:

   It’s time for the grand finale! Add your perfectly cooked spaghetti and that delicious Cajun chicken right into the glorious cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is coated in that rich, creamy goodness. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes, just to make sure everything is heated through and the flavors have a chance to meld together beautifully. If you’re looking for something similar but with a different flavor profile, you might enjoy our Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice – another fantastic one-pan wonder!

5. Serve:

   Dish it up into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:

• Veggies: Sauté some sliced bell peppers (any color!) or onions with the chicken for added flavor and nutrients. Broccoli florets or spinach wilted into the sauce at the end are also delicious.
• Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to your personal spice preference.
• Pasta Shape: While spaghetti is classic, you could use fettuccine, penne, or even rotini!
• Protein Swap: Shrimp or even pan-seared sausage would be a delicious alternative to chicken. For a lighter option, consider our Quick Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon – though that’s a different style of meal, it shows how great lemon and garlic can be!

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make sure your Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is absolutely perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember it will cook a little more in the sauce. Aim for al dente!
• Whisk Constantly: When making the roux and adding the liquids, continuous whisking is your best friend to prevent lumps.
• Low Heat for Cheese: Adding cheese over low heat ensures it melts smoothly without breaking.
• Prep Ahead: You can slice the chicken and mince the garlic earlier in the day or the night before to make assembly even faster. If you love prepping ahead, you might also enjoy our Easy Cake Mix Toffee Bars – perfect for baking ahead for snacks!

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Leftovers are the best, right? If you happen to have any:

• In the Fridge: Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat this is gently on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it, but again, add a little liquid to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Is Cajun seasoning very spicy?

Cajun seasoning blends can vary, but they typically have a good amount of spice from paprika, cayenne pepper, and other peppers. You can always taste and adjust the heat to your liking!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can! If you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, dice it up and add it in step 4 when you combine everything. Just make sure it’s heated through.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, you can simmer it a bit longer, uncovered, or make a small slurry of 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. For a thinner sauce, simply whisk in a little more milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

We hope you absolutely adore this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti as much as we do! It’s a guaranteed hit in our house. If you love finding delicious and easy recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!