Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Mozzarella Sauce – Easy Garlic Pasta Dinner

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy meals at home. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken is paired with a rich, garlicky Parmesan-cream sauce and served over perfectly cooked linguine, finished with fresh herbs and extra cheese. If you’re searching for easy Cajun chicken pasta, creamy garlic mozzarella pasta, or a beginner-friendly dinner that feels indulgent yet simple, this recipe delivers every time. With its creamy texture, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spice, this pasta is guaranteed to impress the whole family.

Introduction

There’s something irresistible about a creamy, garlicky pasta that’s packed with protein and flavor, and this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti hits every note. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, slightly spicy kick, while the garlic-Parmesan cream sauce wraps the linguine in velvety richness. This is a dish that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.

The combination of herbs like parsley and basil brightens the plate, while extra Parmesan and mozzarella add depth and creaminess. Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or even meal prep for the next day, this recipe is quick enough to make in under 40 minutes and satisfying enough to serve guests. Swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage if desired, and the recipe still works beautifully, making it versatile as well as flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and indulgent: Rich Parmesan-garlic sauce coats every strand of pasta.
• Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in just 40 minutes.
• Bold flavor: Cajun seasoning adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
• Protein-packed: Tender chicken breasts provide 42g protein per serving.
• Beginner-friendly: Simple techniques for searing chicken and making cream sauce.
• Customizable: Swap chicken with shrimp or sausage, adjust spice level.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4
Calories: 720 per serving
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Pasta

• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Ingredient Notes:

• Cajun seasoning: Adds smoky, spicy flavor; adjust to taste.
• Heavy cream: Essential for thick, rich sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for best flavor and smooth texture.
• Linguine: Long pasta noodles work best for coating with cream sauce.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Garlic press or knife
• Tongs or pasta fork
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season chicken. Pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning.
2. Cook chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and cover with foil.
3. Cook pasta. Boil 1 pound linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
4. Make sauce. In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
5. Add liquids. Stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth, then add 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes on low.
6. Add cheese. Whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until smooth. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Use reserved pasta water to thin sauce if necessary.
7. Combine pasta and sauce. Add cooked linguine to the sauce and toss until coated.
8. Serve chicken over pasta. Slice chicken and place on top of pasta. Garnish with extra sauce, chopped parsley, basil, and additional Parmesan.

Tips & Variations

• Extra creamy: Use freshly grated Parmesan.
• Protein swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or sausage for variation.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning to taste.
• Pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley and basil brighten the dish and add freshness.

Flavor Profile

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy with smoky undertones from the Cajun seasoning. The Parmesan-heavy sauce coats each strand of linguine with silky texture, while tender chicken adds protein and bite. Fresh herbs and optional extra Parmesan balance the richness, making the dish comforting but well-rounded.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy; gluten in linguine. Can be adapted with gluten-free pasta.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook chicken and sauce separately, then assemble with pasta when ready.
• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply add it to the sauce and pasta at the end, heating until warm.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini, keeping sauce the same.

Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended; cream sauce can separate upon thawing.

How spicy is it?
Moderate; adjust Cajun seasoning for more or less heat.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
15 minutes	25 minutes	40 minutes	4

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in large bowls with sliced chicken on top.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, and basil.
• Optional: drizzle with a touch of olive oil for shine.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Shrimp Cajun Pasta: Swap chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp.
2. Spicy Creamy Version: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
3. Sausage Swap: Use sliced smoked sausage instead of chicken.
4. Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach to sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cajun Seasoning

Provides smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the chicken. Adjust intensity to taste for mild or bold spice.

Heavy Cream

Essential for a rich, thick sauce that clings to linguine. Use full-fat cream for best results.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry to ensure even browning.
• Don’t overcook pasta; al dente is ideal for tossing in sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Whisk cheese gradually into cream to prevent clumping.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave; add cream to restore sauce consistency.
• Do not freeze fully assembled pasta; sauce texture may separate.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	720 kcal
Protein	42g
Carbs	50g
Fat	40g
Fiber	2g

Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and gluten; can be made gluten-free with pasta substitution.

Expanded Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold, comforting, and easy-to-make dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for home cooks. With tender, spicy chicken, rich cream sauce, and perfectly coated linguine, it’s a dish that will satisfy the whole family. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan for added flavor and visual appeal. Save this recipe, try variations with shrimp or sausage, and make it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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