Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Meta Description: This creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti combines tender seasoned chicken, spaghetti, colorful peppers, and a rich cheesy Cajun cream sauce for an easy and flavorful family dinner.
If you love creamy pasta with a little kick, this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a must-try. Tender chicken is coated in bold Cajun seasoning, then tossed with spaghetti, sautéed peppers, onions, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Every bite is savory, spicy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together without complicated ingredients. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your family, making it mild and creamy or extra spicy and bold.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken so they’re evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
4. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the butter.
Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds.
5. Make the Cajun Cream Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Add the Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 3–5 minutes.
Add the cheddar and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
6. Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
Add the sliced Cajun chicken and gently toss everything together until the spaghetti is completely coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors can come together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes if you want additional heat.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle the Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is hot.
Tips for the Best Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook it just until done, then let it rest before slicing. This keeps the chicken juicy.
Use freshly grated cheese: Fresh Parmesan and cheddar melt more smoothly and create a creamier sauce.
Reserve pasta water: The starchy water is perfect for thinning the sauce without making it watery.
Control the spice: Cajun seasoning varies in heat and saltiness. Start with less and add more to taste.
Don’t boil the cream: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from separating.
Easy Variations
Add Shrimp
Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque for a delicious Cajun chicken-and-shrimp pasta.
Add More Vegetables
Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or broccoli are excellent additions.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Add mozzarella or Monterey Jack along with the cheddar and Parmesan.
Make It Spicier
Add cayenne pepper, sliced jalapeños, or red pepper flakes.
Storage
Store leftover Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently until warmed through.
This Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is creamy, cheesy, savory, and packed with bold Cajun flavor. Tender seasoned chicken, colorful vegetables, and spaghetti come together in a rich sauce for a comforting dinner the whole family will love.