Get ready to whip up a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor! This creamy cajun chicken spaghetti recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and a rich, spicy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s surprisingly quick to prepare and delivers a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Enjoy a fantastic, flavorful dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
This dish truly stands out as a delicious, easy-to-make option for any home cook. Here’s why you’ll adore this creamy cajun chicken spaghetti:
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: Enjoy a perfect harmony of smoky, spicy, and savory notes in every bite.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.
- Ready in About 30 Minutes: This recipe is perfect for busy parents and quick weeknight meals.
- Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: It’s fast enough for a Tuesday, but special enough for a Friday.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A hearty, creamy pasta dish that will leave everyone feeling full and happy.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your incredible cajun chicken spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into small pieces, or chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1-2 cups bell peppers, chopped (red, green, or both!)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Cajun Seasoning or Creole seasoning (see note below)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika, divided
- 1 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Optional garnishes: red pepper flakes, extra Parmesan cheese, green onions, black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
Cajun vs. Creole Seasoning: Cajun seasoning is generally spicier with more cayenne, while Creole often includes herbs like oregano and thyme, offering a milder, more complex flavor. Use what you prefer!
Chicken: Both chicken breast and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs offer a richer flavor and stay incredibly moist.
Bell Peppers: Any color bell pepper is fine; a mix adds great visual appeal and flavor.
Pasta Shape: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or penne if that’s what you have. For another delicious option, try a garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
Heavy Cream Alternatives: For a slightly lighter sauce, you can try half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick.
Equipment
You don’t need much fancy gear for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials:
- Large pot: For cooking the spaghetti.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking the chicken and building the sauce.
- Garlic chopper: (Optional) Makes mincing garlic super quick and easy.
- Kitchen tongs: Helpful for tossing pasta and chicken.
Instructions Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Let’s make some delicious cajun chicken spaghetti! Follow these easy steps for a fantastic meal:
- Cook Spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling water, cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente, following the package directions. Drain it well and set aside.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, toss your chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Ensure every piece is coated.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Cook Aromatics: If needed, add a little more olive oil to the pan. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Build the Roux: Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of flour over the cooked veggies. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, to create a light roux. This helps thicken your sauce.
- Create Sauce Base: Whisk in the heavy cream, chicken stock, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer over medium heat, stirring often, for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If you notice any clumps, simply use a whisk to smooth them out.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Taste the sauce and add salt or more seasoning if necessary. Remember, Cajun seasoning already contains salt, so taste before adding extra.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce. Add the drained spaghetti and toss, toss, toss until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce and everything is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish generously with more Cajun seasoning, green onions, fresh ground pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like extra heat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect creamy pasta every time with these helpful hints.
- Sear Chicken for Golden Crust: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Sear it in batches if necessary to get a beautiful golden-brown crust, which adds incredible flavor.
- Adjust Cajun Seasoning: Start with the recommended amount, then add more to taste. Everyone has a different spice preference.
- Whisk Vigorously: When adding the flour and liquids, whisk vigorously to prevent any clumps from forming in your creamy sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking Pasta: Cook spaghetti just until al dente for the best texture. It will finish cooking slightly in the hot sauce.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, steaming the ingredients instead of searing them.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners and makes great leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh Green Salad: Pair your creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Warm Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover cajun chicken spaghetti in an airtight container.
- Keep Refrigerated: It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat Gently: Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- Loosen Sauce: Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream while reheating to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.
Variations
- Add More Protein: Introduce shrimp, sliced andouille sausage, or smoked sausage for an even heartier meal.
- Increase the Heat: For those who love extra spice, stir in additional red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- Milder Spice: Use Creole seasoning instead of Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor profile with more herby notes.
Nutrition
Enjoying a hearty bowl of this flavorful dish offers a good balance of macronutrients. This estimated nutritional information is per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 662 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Protein | 43 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Cholesterol | 154 mg |
| Sodium | 471 mg |
| Potassium | 732 mg |
| Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugar | 5.4 g |
| Vitamin D | 23 µg |
| Calcium | 304 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?
According to MasterClass, Cajun seasoning focuses on ground peppers like black, cayenne, and white, while Creole seasoning is more herbal, often including oregano, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Cajun seasoning focuses on bold heat with cayenne, while Creole often includes a wider array of herbs like oregano and thyme, leading to a milder, more complex flavor. You can use either for your creamy cajun chicken spaghetti.
Can I make this dish with less spice?
Absolutely! Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild Creole blend, and omit the optional red pepper flakes to control the heat.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Spaghetti works wonderfully, but any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine, or even a short pasta like penne or rotini, will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I freeze creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti?
While you can, dishes with heavy cream sometimes separate or become grainy when thawed and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.*
Conclusion
This creamy cajun chicken spaghetti truly brings big flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners and busy parents alike, offering a rich, spicy, and satisfying meal in about 30 minutes. We hope you try this delicious recipe soon and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner. Let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium‑high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers and cook for about 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Sprinkle the flour over vegetables, cook 1–2 minutes while stirring to create a light roux.
- Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in remaining 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp onion powder. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, add the drained spaghetti and toss until pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and optional red pepper flakes or extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use either Cajun or Creole seasoning to control the spice and herb profile.
- Chicken thighs can be swapped for breasts for richer flavor.
- Bell pepper color choice is up to you.
- For lighter sauce, use half‑and‑half instead of heavy cream (though texture may change).
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