Description
A comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a creamy garlic mozzarella sauce, enhanced with Cajun spices for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Toss in minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add softened cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in one cup of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Combine Everything: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with the creamy sauce, mixing until all pasta is coated.
- Finish with More Cheese: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
Notes
Serve with crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad on the side. Can also be made ahead; just cook the pasta right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Spaghetti, Comfort Food, Family Dinner