Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the family together and warms the heart, then you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe! My Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture this: tender chicken seasoned with a kick of Cajun spice, tossed with spaghetti in a luscious garlic cream sauce, all topped with gooey mozzarella. It’s comfort food at its finest!

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. It’s also great for family gatherings or cozy weekend dinners when everyone wants to dig into something delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it may just become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that everyone will love.
• Family-Friendly: The creamy sauce and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat!
• Packed with Flavor: The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of spice to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this dish is simple with wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything we need to make this creamy delight!

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Pasta and Sauce

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative based on your taste or pantry items.

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or diced turkey instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Toss in spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Make it lighter: Use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cream cheese for a healthier version.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more Cajun seasoning or fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.

How to Make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

First things first! Cook your spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until it’s al dente. This step is crucial as it ensures your pasta has the right texture when mixed with the sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside while we prepare the rest!

Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken

While your pasta cooks away, take those bite-sized chicken pieces and season them generously with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. This step adds depth of flavor and gives our chicken that signature Cajun kick!

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they are browned and cooked through—approximately 6–8 minutes. Removing them from the skillet allows us to build our creamy sauce without burning any leftover bits.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In that same skillet (don’t wash it!), melt butter over medium heat. Add in your minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step infuses the butter with delicious garlic flavor, creating a robust base for our sauce.

Step 5: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in your flour while continuously whisking for about 1–2 minutes until you form a roux. This step is key because it thickens our sauce later on!

Step 6: Whisk in Milk and Broth

Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; you’ll notice it starting to thicken beautifully.

Step 7: Add Creamy Goodness

Stir in softened cream cheese along with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until everything melts together into a smooth, velvety sauce. This creamy blend is what makes this dish irresistibly comforting!

Step 8: Final Touches

Add Parmesan cheese along with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like some extra heat! Now it’s time to add back in those cooked chicken pieces so they can soak up all that flavorful goodness.

Step 9: Combine With Spaghetti

Toss your drained spaghetti into the skillet, mixing well to coat every strand in that heavenly sauce.

Step 10: Cheese Meltdown

Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese on top of everything. Covering it allows that gorgeous cheese to melt perfectly—let it sit for about 2–3 minutes.

Step 11: Serve Up

Finally, serve hot! Garnish with fresh parsley or more Parmesan if desired. Get ready for smiles all around as everyone digs into this delicious dish!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Cooking this delightful pasta dish is a breeze, but a few handy tips can elevate your experience and ensure perfection every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality cheeses will enhance the flavors in your sauce, making it rich and aromatic.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less Cajun seasoning and add more gradually. You can always add more spice, but it’s tough to tone it down once it’s in!
• Don’t rush the roux: Taking the time to cook your roux properly helps develop a deeper flavor in your sauce. Make sure to whisk continuously to avoid lumps and achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
• Reserve some pasta water: Before draining your spaghetti, save a cup of the pasta water. This starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it becomes too thick when combined with the pasta.
• Let it sit before serving: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Presentation is key when serving this delicious dish! Here are some ideas to help you serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing out the creaminess of the dish.
• Extra Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top enhances flavor and gives it an appealing finish.
• Red pepper flakes: For those who love extra heat, offering red pepper flakes as a garnish allows everyone to spice up their plate as they like.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread complements the flavors in your Cajun chicken spaghetti beautifully.
• Simple green salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish.
• Roasted vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition while enhancing your meal’s overall appeal.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy side option that pairs well with creamy dishes, adding both texture and nutrients.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a delightful culinary experience that’s sure to impress family and friends! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making your evenings stress-free and flavorful.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• If possible, separate the sauce from the pasta to prevent the spaghetti from becoming too soggy.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for your reference!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this creamy pasta dish.

Can I make Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The creamy sauce will still be delicious!

How can I spice up my Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

If you like it spicy, feel free to add more Cajun seasoning or toss in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that creamy stretch, you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.

What should I serve with Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce! It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table—perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with spices and ingredients. Happy cooking!