Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti: A Comforting Southern Classic with a Spicy Twist First Image

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free, High Protein

Description

A delicious and creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti dish that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a rich sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, just tender with a slight bite. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop that beautiful golden crust. Flip and cook until fully done, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sliced bell peppers and sauté until slightly tender but still vibrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to deglaze the pan, lifting all those flavorful bits from the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. As the sauce thickens, stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and velvety.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Finish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite of your homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the level of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
  • This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, though the spaghetti may absorb some of the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg