Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich and comforting 30-minute dinner. It features golden Parmesan-crusted chicken strips, tender spaghetti, and a velvety Cajun-spiced garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp salted butter, divided
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken strips in the mixture.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter over medium-high. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Add ½ cup Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Return chicken and spaghetti to skillet. Toss until fully coated in sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
– Use fettuccine or linguine instead of spaghetti if preferred.
– Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter version.
– Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
– To reduce heat, skip the red pepper flakes or use a mild Cajun blend.
– Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with added broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-American