Rich. Creamy. Spicy. Cheesy. Comfort food at its finest.
If you’re craving a bold, restaurant-worthy pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is your new go-to.
Tender chicken strips, seared in a golden Parmesan crust, meet a luxuriously creamy, Cajun-spiced sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and a trio of melty cheeses — all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti.
It’s a flavor explosion: spicy, savory, garlicky, and deeply satisfying — with just the right kick to keep you coming back for more.
🍝 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting chicken)
For the Creamy Cajun Sauce:
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
To Finish:
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
🔪 Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Season & Crust the Chicken
- Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels (this helps with browning).
- In a bowl, season chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Press ½ cup grated Parmesan onto both sides of each strip to create a light, cheesy crust.
3. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Sear for 4–6 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
- In the last minute, add 1 tbsp butter and half the minced garlic. Stir to coat — let the garlic become fragrant and golden.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter.
- Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds (don’t let it burn).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and ¾ cup Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and rich.
- Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Taste and adjust: add more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Combine & Finish
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce.
- Use tongs to toss and coat every strand.
- Let it sit over low heat for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor.
6. Serve
- Divide the cheesy spaghetti among plates.
- Top with Parmesan-crusted chicken strips.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
🌶️ Optional: Add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for more heat.
🍷 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread
- Serve with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or light lager
- Great with roasted veggies on the side
💡 Pro Tips
✅ Don’t skip drying the chicken — it ensures a perfect sear
✅ Use freshly grated cheese — pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy
✅ Keep heat at medium when making the sauce — high heat can cause cream to curdle
✅ Double the recipe — leftovers reheat beautifully (add a splash of broth when warming)
🍴 Final Thoughts: A Weeknight Dinner That Feels Like a Treat
This dish is the perfect balance of comfort and spice, richness and flavor — all in one skillet.
The Cajun kick wakes up your taste buds, the garlic and Parmesan wrap you in warmth, and the triple-cheese sauce makes it impossible to resist.
So whether it’s date night, family dinner, or a solo indulgence…
This one-pot wonder delivers.
Spaghetti so good, it should come with a warning label: “May cause cravings.”
