Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce (30-Minute Comfort)

There are few things in life that can turn a “meh” Monday into a “mmm” Monday like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce. This isn’t your average pasta dinner—it’s like your favorite cozy sweater but with a little sass. The tender chicken gets a golden, cheesy crust, the sauce is luxuriously creamy with a whisper of heat, and the whole thing comes together in a way that makes your taste buds stand up and applaud.

I first made this dish on one of those nights when the fridge looked like a sad reality TV makeover—half a block of Parmesan, a lonely chicken breast, and some cream I swore I’d use “tomorrow.” But then I tossed in Cajun seasoning, and suddenly, dinner went from “oh no” to “oh wow.” If you’ve got 45 minutes, some pantry staples, and a craving for something that’s equal parts comfort food and flavor explosion, you’re in for a treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

• Flavor fireworks: Smoky Cajun spice meets buttery garlic and tangy Parmesan.
• One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup means more couch time.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or when you’re out to impress.
• Customizable heat: You control the spice level.

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Ingredients

• 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
• 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken)
• 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)
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, cook spaghetti until al dente, drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
2. Pat chicken dry, season with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Press grated Parmesan onto chicken for a light crust.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–6 minutes until golden. Add 1 tbsp butter and half the garlic in the last minute. Remove chicken.
4. Add remaining butter to the skillet, sauté remaining garlic 30 seconds.
5. Pour in cream and broth, bring to a simmer.
6. Add cream cheese, whisk until smooth. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Season with Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes.
7. Let sauce simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened.
8. Toss spaghetti in the sauce, letting it absorb flavor for 1 minute over low heat.
9. Plate, top with chicken, garnish with parsley.

PIN IT OR SAVE IT

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti

• Dry your chicken well—moisture is the enemy of a golden crust.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan—pre-shredded just doesn’t melt the same.
• Taste as you go—Cajun spice blends vary in saltiness.

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Bake It With the Littles

Kids love pressing the Parmesan onto the chicken like they’re giving it a cheese sweater. Just keep the raw chicken safety rules in mind and let them help with stirring the pasta into the sauce instead.

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Meal-Prep Magic

This dish reheats beautifully—store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Swap half-and-half for heavy cream to cut fat.
• Try low-fat cheese blends if you’re watching calories (but keep some real Parmesan for flavor).

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Leftover Remix

• Cajun Pasta Bake: Layer leftovers in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Cheesy Chicken Wraps: Roll pasta and chicken into tortillas for a portable lunch.

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Gift It Like a Pro

Package in a disposable foil pan with reheating instructions. Tie with kitchen twine and a sprig of parsley—it’s homemade comfort wrapped in love.

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FAQs

Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Omit the red pepper flakes and use mild Cajun seasoning.

Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or even rotini work well.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, but the sauce may separate slightly when thawed—reheat gently with a bit of cream.

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Final Thought

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out while giving you just enough spice to keep things interesting. Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner or a Tuesday “just because,” it’s proof that comfort food and bold flavors can live happily ever after in the same bowl.

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