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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Creamy, cheesy, spicy, and flavor-packed, this Cajun-inspired pasta dish features juicy garlic parmesan chicken over spaghetti in a bold, spicy cream sauce. A true weeknight showstopper!

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
    • For the chicken:
    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

 

    • For the sauce:
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
    • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
    • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
    • Optional: splash of chicken broth to thin the sauce

 

    • For the pasta:
    • 12 oz spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
    • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
    • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

 

  • Optional Add-ins:
  • Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms
  • Spinach or kale
  • Crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6–8 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Simmer, then stir in parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Toss with Pasta: Add spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  5. Finish & Serve: Add sliced chicken on top or stir in. Garnish with parsley or green onions and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor.
  • Adjust heat level by increasing or decreasing Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and check seasoning labels for a gluten-free version.
  • Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch—just warm with Cajun seasoning before adding sauce.
  • Not freezer-friendly due to cream, but makes excellent leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, spicy cajun pasta, creamy spaghetti, weeknight pasta