Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti Recipe
Craving a restaurant-quality pasta dinner without the long wait? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in 30 Minutes is your answer. It combines tender chicken and spaghetti in a rich, garlicky parmesan cream sauce with a kick of Cajun seasoning. For another deliciously creamy pasta option, try this Creamy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Pasta Recipe.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Creamy spaghetti tossed in a spicy Cajun cream sauce with tender garlic Parmesan chicken strips, blending bold Cajun flavors with rich Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Method: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Cajun Fusion
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Season chicken strips with 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and thyme; cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; bring to a simmer. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the sauce; toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For milder spice, reduce Cajun seasoning to 2 tsp. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best melting. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Calories: 850
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce less spicy?
Yes, you can easily control the heat. Start by reducing or omitting the cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning. You can also use a mild Italian sausage instead of a spicy variety if the recipe includes it. This allows you to enjoy the rich, creamy garlic parmesan flavors with a milder kick.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling?
The key is gentle heat when adding dairy. Ensure your cream and parmesan are at room temperature before stirring them into the pan. Also, remove the skillet from direct heat when you incorporate them, letting the residual warmth melt the cheese smoothly into your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce.
Can I prepare any components of this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the Cajun seasoning and chop vegetables in advance. For best results, cook the chicken and assemble the full dish just before serving, as freshly cooked pasta and a just-made cream sauce provide the best texture and flavor for this recipe.
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