Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish made with Cajun-seasoned chicken, spaghetti, and a creamy garlic mozzarella sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
- Simmer until slightly thickened, then stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Add 1½ cups mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Return chicken and spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and allow to melt before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to control spice level
- Add a splash of pasta water to keep the sauce silky
- Fresh parsley or green onions make a great garnish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes