Introduction

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.

Ingredients

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce comes together with a handful of pantry staples, creating a rich and aromatic dish where tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luxuriously creamy, boldly spiced sauce.

• 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 (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
• 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

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce comes together about 25% faster than similar baked or multi-pan pasta recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a portion of the Cajun seasoning. This initial seasoning builds flavor directly into the chicken.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes total. Remove to a plate; it will finish cooking in the sauce later.

Step 3 — Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, add butter, minced garlic, and diced onion. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Scraping up the browned bits from the chicken adds incredible depth to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti sauce.

Step 4 — Build the Cream Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the aromatics and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth, then stir in the heavy cream. Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste for that signature spicy kick.

Step 5 — Simmer and Thicken

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is the perfect time to start boiling your spaghetti in a separate pot of salted water.

Step 6 — Combine and Finish

Return the seared chicken and any accumulated juices to the creamy Cajun sauce. Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is velvety. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level.

Step 7 — Incorporate the Pasta

Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving about a cup of pasta water. Add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the Garlic Parmesan Chicken and sauce. Toss everything together, adding splashes of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. For optimal creaminess, serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce immediately while hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 680 kcal
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	32g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	Approx. 950mg

Note: Estimates are per serving for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Healthier Alternatives

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some practical ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing its signature creamy, spicy kick.

• Protein Swap (Shrimp or Tofu) — Replace chicken with large shrimp for a seafood twist, or use extra-firm tofu (pressed and pan-seared) for a plant-based version. Both absorb the spicy Cajun cream sauce beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Noodles — Swap traditional spaghetti for spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. They provide a lighter base that still carries the rich Garlic Parmesan sauce.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use your favorite brand of gluten-free spaghetti. Brown rice or chickpea pasta are excellent choices that hold up well in this creamy dish.
• Dairy-Free Cream Sauce — Substitute the heavy cream and Parmesan with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative for a rich, dairy-free Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti.
• Low-Sodium Cajun Seasoning — Make your own Cajun blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and oregano to control the salt, keeping the spice profile intact.
• Lighter Cream Base (Greek Yogurt) — For a tangier, high-protein sauce, replace half the heavy cream with plain, full-fat Greek yogurt added at the very end of cooking.
• Whole Wheat or Legume Pasta — Opt for whole wheat spaghetti or pasta made from lentils or edamame to add fiber and protein to your Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce meal.
• Leaner Protein (Chicken Breast) — If using chicken thighs, simply switch to boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. Be careful not to overcook to keep it tender in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this rich Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce with a crisp, simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the decadence.
• For a classic Italian-American spread, serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or soft breadsticks perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• This dish is perfect for a cozy date night at home or as a comforting centerpiece for a casual weekend family dinner.
• Elevate your plating by twirling the spaghetti with tongs into a neat nest, placing the sliced chicken on top, and finishing with a fresh sprinkle of parsley and grated Parmesan.
• For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, which complement the spicy Cajun flavors beautifully.
• Consider serving this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce at potlucks or game-day gatherings; it’s a crowd-pleaser that holds up well.
• Balance the heat with a cool, creamy beverage like buttermilk or a simple glass of milk, or choose a slightly sweet iced tea.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, these ideas will help you serve this flavorful pasta creation perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Sear until just cooked through (165°F internal) and let it rest before slicing.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded Parmesan that clumps and doesn’t melt smoothly. Fix: Always grate a block of high-quality Parmesan cheese fresh for your sauce.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic directly to the sauce, creating a harsh, bitter flavor. Fix: Sauté minced garlic in the pan drippings for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the pasta water, leaving the spaghetti bland. Fix: Salt the boiling water until it tastes like the sea before adding the spaghetti.
• Mistake: Dumping all the Cajun seasoning at once, risking an overly salty or fiery dish. Fix: Season in layers, tasting as you go, and adjust heat with cayenne separately.
• Mistake: Letting the cream sauce break or curdle from high heat. Fix: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding cream and cheese, stirring constantly.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, which steams instead of browns. Fix: Cook chicken in batches to ensure a proper, flavorful sear.
• Mistake: Draining the pasta completely, leaving no starchy water to help the sauce cling. Fix: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency.
• Mistake: Skipping the deglazing step, leaving flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan. Fix: Use a splash of chicken broth or white wine to scrape up the fond for your sauce base.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti completely, then store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For best results, store the sauce and pasta separately if possible to maintain the best texture for your Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce pasta.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and exciting. We hope you love this creamy, flavorful pasta dish as much as we do. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments! For another delicious pasta twist, check out our Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe.

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FAQs

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.