Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts are seared to perfection and served over spaghetti tossed in a rich and creamy garlic mozzarella sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (for searing)
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and evenly season both sides with Cajun seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
- Sear Chicken: Heat oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove from skillet and let them rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken. Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy spaghetti and top with the sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the Cajun seasoning.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a lighter texture or a blend of cheeses for varied flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
