If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with flavor, creamy goodness, and just the right amount of spice, then Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the answer. This dish is the perfect balance of zesty Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce. It’s a meal that’s sure to please a crowd but is easy enough to whip up for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti will become your go-to dish:
- Bold and Flavorful: Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat, while smoked paprika adds depth to the sauce.
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The garlic mozzarella sauce is rich and indulgent, making every bite irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting and flavorful.
- One-Pot Meal: The chicken, sauce, and pasta all cook together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti:
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Let’s Get Started
Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps for making this creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti with garlic mozzarella sauce.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
-
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add Cream Cheese and Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like it spicier, add red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, and then add the drained spaghetti. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top and let it melt into the pasta for an extra cheesy finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
-
Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti and garnish with extra red pepper flakes or fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy the rich, creamy, and flavorful dish!
Servings and Pairing
This recipe yields about 4–6 servings, depending on portion sizes.
Pairing Ideas:
- Side Salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up all the creamy sauce.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add a healthy, colorful side to the meal.
- Wine: Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
Variations
If you want to customize this dish, here are a few variations to try:
- Add Shrimp: Toss in some sautéed shrimp along with the chicken for a seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Use Different Cheese: Swap the mozzarella for Gouda or provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
- Make it Spicy: Add more Cajun seasoning or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat this dish:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Store it in an airtight container and reheat slowly when ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti works great, you can also use fettuccine, penne, or linguine for this recipe.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, but for best results, combine everything just before serving. The pasta can be cooked and stored separately as well.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own Cajun seasoning by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Adjust the heat level to your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how much Cajun seasoning you use. For a milder version, reduce the Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to serve to guests. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of heat, while the garlic mozzarella sauce brings everything together in a creamy, dreamy way. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a loved one, or a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy and leave everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti is loaded with spicy Cajun flavor and wrapped in a rich garlic mozzarella sauce. A comforting and easy-to-make meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, simmering until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add Cream Cheese & Cheese: Stir in cream cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Combine: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, tossing until well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with remaining mozzarella and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- You can use a different pasta shape like penne or fettuccine if you prefer.
- Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a bit of extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes

