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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a Kick of Cajun

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a Kick of Cajun

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a Kick of Cajun is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, rich garlic and Parmesan flavors, and a vibrant Cajun spice. It’s quick to prepare, one-pot cooked, and customizable for heat level, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that impresses family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti

Seasonings and Flavorings

  • 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the chicken with 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Make the Sauce: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pan with the garlic. Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning (or more for extra spice). Bring to a simmer. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  4. Cook the Spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the sauce mixture, pressing it down to submerge. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed. Let it warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better flavor and melting.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Check spaghetti during cooking to keep it al dente and avoid overcooking.
  • Sauté garlic gently on medium-low heat to prevent bitterness.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Spicy Chicken Spaghetti, One-pot Pasta, Comfort Food