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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a Kick of Cajun

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a Kick of Cajun
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a Kick of Cajun is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken breast, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and bold Cajun seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or leftovers, this comforting recipe delivers a satisfying balance of heat, cheesy goodness, and hearty protein with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Pasta

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz spaghetti

Seasonings & Flavorings

  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Dairy & Sauces

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter

Liquids & Oils

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and grate fresh Parmesan cheese to prepare everything for cooking and combining.
  2. Cook the Spaghetti: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Combine Parmesan and Spaghetti: Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together until fully coated. Use reserved pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
  6. Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more Cajun seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic to maximize flavor rather than garlic powder or pre-minced forms.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; cook until no longer pink.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to noodles.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and fresher taste.
  • Add Cajun seasoning gradually to control the spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Spicy Chicken Spaghetti, Weeknight Dinner

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-spaghetti-with-a-kick-of-cajun/