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n Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

n Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 24 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 1 pound spaghetti

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika thoroughly to ensure even coating.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken.
  7. Incorporate Cheeses: Add cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
  8. Season the Sauce: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  9. 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.
  10. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

Keywords: Cajun chicken spaghetti, creamy chicken pasta, garlic mozzarella sauce, easy dinner recipe, one-pan pasta