n Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken simmered in a rich, creamy garlic-infused mozzarella sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines bold spices with a velvety cheese sauce to create a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pasta
Sauce
- 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
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce Base: Sprinkle flour over the butter and garlic mixture and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux, which helps thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Add cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and flavors meld together.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta, cover the skillet, and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes according to taste.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish to enhance freshness and presentation.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of the recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, garlic mozzarella sauce, easy dinner recipe, one-pan pasta