Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti: The Ultimate Comfort with a Kick

I’ll never forget the first time I made creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti for my friends. I put on some jazz, cracked open a glass of wine, and thought, Can a pasta dish really feel both indulgent and exciting? Within five minutes, the aroma of garlic, bell pepper, and smoked paprika filled the kitchen—and my housemates were lined up waiting for their bowls. That’s when I realized: this recipe doesn’t just feed hunger. It brings warmth, spice, and a little culinary swagger to any dinner.

From the first bite, you’ll taste a silky, spiced cream sauce hugging slices of juicy chicken and twirling with spaghetti. It’s the kind of dish you’ll reach for when you want comfort food—yet crave bold flavor. Read on, and I’ll take you through how to make it, tweak it for your diet, and serve it in style.

What Is Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti?

At its heart, this dish is an American-style pasta mashup: spaghetti coated in a creamy sauce, infused with Cajun seasoning, and studded with tender chicken and sautéed vegetables. The Cajun spice blend—paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, thyme—gives it heat and depth without overwhelming the cream.

Cajun cuisine, rooted in Louisiana, is bold and rustic. By combining it with a creamy base, you get contrast: richness softens the spice, while the spice cuts through the creaminess. That tension is what makes creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti so compelling. Plus, unlike some classic Cajun dishes, this one is friendly for weeknights, approachable for home cooks, and crowd-pleasing from the start.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

Below is your complete shopping and tools list—no filler, just essentials.

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or deep sauté pan
• Stockpot or large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Here’s how to bring creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti from ingredients to a steaming, saucy bowl.

Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Rub the chicken slices evenly with about 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning (reserve some for later).
2. Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken until golden on each side and cooked through (no pink inside).
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil so it stays warm.

Sauté Vegetables & Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, melt butter.
2. Add onion and red bell pepper; cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant (30–60 seconds).

Build the Creamy Sauce

1. Pour in chicken broth and use a spoon to deglaze the skillet—scrape browned bits off the bottom.
2. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in Parmesan until it melts and incorporates.
4. Add mozzarella and stir to make it smooth and slightly stretchy.
5. Season with the remaining Cajun spice, adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Cook & Combine the Spaghetti

1. Meanwhile, boil the spaghetti to al dente, following package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Add spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat every strand.
3. Return the cooked chicken back into the mix.
4. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and a light dusting of extra Cajun seasoning before serving. Serve hot, straight from the pan, so the cream sauce feels lush and indulgent.

Tips & Tricks for Best Results

• Taste your Cajun seasoning first. Spice levels vary across brands—start light.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Searing fast and finishing in a sauce helps preserve juice.
• Always save pasta water. The starch helps bind the sauce and adjust the texture.
• If the sauce splits or curdles, remove from the heat and whisk in a tablespoon of cream or milk.
• Want extra richness? Stir in a softened cream cheese cube right at the end.

Dietary Variations & Substitutions

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor when tweaking this for dietary needs.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free spaghetti (rice, corn, or mixed grain). Confirm your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free, and thickening (if using) is from cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

Low-Calorie / Lighter Version

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk + Greek yogurt (temper it first). Use less cheese or a reduced-fat version. Use lean chicken breast or turkey for protein.

Vegetarian

Skip the chicken. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Vegan

Use cashew cream or coconut cream in place of dairy. Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and vegan cheeses. Use tofu, tempeh, or seitan seasoned as “chicken.”

Halal / Kosher / Pescatarian

Choose halal-certified chicken or swap in shrimp (if pescatarian). The rest of the recipe works the same.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Since this pasta is rich, a fresh, light side helps balance it. A simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette works beautifully. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are ideal for sopping up leftover sauce. If you’re drinking wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé cuts through the cream nicely. For non-alcoholic options, iced herbal tea or sparkling water with lemon also pairs well.

Storage, Reheating & Freezing

Place leftovers in a sealed container and refrigerate up to 3 days. When reheating, warm over low heat and add a splash of cream or broth to restore silkiness. You can freeze, though texture may shift—thaw slowly in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove. Avoid the microwave unless you add extra liquid.

FAQ

Can I use sausage, shrimp, or other proteins instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Sausage (like andouille) or shrimp make tasty swaps and still pair beautifully with the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this dish, and can I reduce the heat?

The heat depends on your Cajun seasoning and how much you use. You can tone it down by starting with half the seasoning, using milder paprika, or omitting cayenne. If it’s too spicy after cooking, add extra cream or cheese to mellow it out.

What’s the difference between Cajun and Creole seasoning?

Cajun seasoning is typically bold and rustic—lots of peppery heat. Creole leans more toward herbs, tomatoes, and a milder spice. You can use Creole seasoning if you want a gentler flavour, but you’ll lose some of that smoky kick.

Can I prep this ahead or meal-prep it?

Yes, you can prep components (chop veggies, season chicken) in advance. Fully assembled leftovers work well for 2–3 days, though the sauce may thicken—just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

What do I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?

If it’s too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water, broth, or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer, uncovered, to reduce liquid (stir frequently to avoid scorching).

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

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• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a comforting Southern-inspired pasta dish with juicy seared chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a silky cream sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz spaghetti

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Season chicken slices with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

• In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion and red bell pepper until softened, then stir in garlic.

• Deglaze with chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream. Add Parmesan and mozzarella until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning.

• Meanwhile, cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.

• Add spaghetti to the sauce, toss to coat, and return the chicken to the skillet. Use pasta water if sauce is too thick.

• Garnish with green onions and extra Cajun spice. Serve hot.

Notes

Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.

Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

Cream cheese can be added at the end for extra richness.

Adjust the Cajun spice to your heat preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American (Southern / Cajun-inspired)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (out of 6)
• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Sugar: ~5 g
• Sodium: ~740 mg
• Fat: ~26 g
• Saturated Fat: ~13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
• Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: ~42 g
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Protein: ~32 g
• Cholesterol: ~115 mg