Description
A creamy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti with a kick of Cajun seasoning, combining tender chicken, rich parmesan, and bold spices tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti. This easy, one-pan recipe is quick to make and perfect for a comforting, spicy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely mince the garlic cloves and grate the Parmesan cheese. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and measure out the Cajun seasoning for easy access during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and half of the Cajun seasoning. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown, so the aroma infuses the butter and oil.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly, stirring occasionally, for a few minutes.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Add the uncooked spaghetti directly into the simmering sauce, ensuring the noodles are submerged. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spaghetti is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan for better flavor and meltability compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Do not overcook the spaghetti to keep it al dente; watch carefully while it cooks in the sauce.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to control spice level.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness before mixing with sauce.
- Stir spaghetti frequently while cooking in the sauce to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Skillet
- Cuisine: American, Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti, Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken spaghetti, spicy chicken pasta, one-pan dinner
