Description

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich, creamy pasta dish featuring tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken, coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it combines classic Italian flavors with a Southern Cajun twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting)

Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Garnish

4 tbsp salted butter, divided
5 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Prepare Chicken Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken strips thoroughly in this mixture to infuse flavor.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken strips for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Create Sauce Base: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the skillet bottom to lift up any browned bits. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Add Cheese and Spice: Incorporate ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the optional crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are fully coated with the spicy Cajun Parmesan cream sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in both coating and sauce.
Adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
To make this dish lighter, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
For gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken, Spaghetti, Cajun Cream Sauce, Creamy Pasta, Cajun Chicken, Spicy Pasta