Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

🌶️🧄 Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

A spicy, cheesy pasta with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and a rich garlic mozzarella cream sauce — perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you like)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan (optional for depth)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional: ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick

• Fresh parsley or chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Boil spaghetti in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season and Cook Chicken:
   Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Garlic Roux:
   In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a light roux.

4. Make it Creamy:
   Slowly whisk in cream and chicken broth until smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Cheese it Up:
   Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning.
   If the sauce gets too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water.

6. Combine:
   Add cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.

7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve immediately with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

🔥 Optional Add-ins:

• Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms

• Spinach (stir in at the end)

• Shrimp instead of or alongside chicken

🧂 *Homemade Cajun Seasoning (Quick Blend):

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp thyme

• ½ tsp oregano

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

Would you like this in a printable meal card or a low-carb version (e.g., using zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash)