There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy, flavorful pasta after a long day. Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is the perfect dish for a cozy evening at home, a casual dinner with friends, or even a special weeknight family meal. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, this recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
I first discovered this dish during a visit to a small Cajun town in Louisiana. The local restaurants served pasta dishes infused with bold spices and fresh ingredients, and one dish in particular captured my heart—a creamy, spicy chicken spaghetti that was both hearty and indulgent. This recipe is my version of that classic comfort meal, adapted for home cooking without compromising flavor. Whether you’re new to Cajun cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish is simple enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough to serve for a dinner party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
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Bold flavors: Cajun spices deliver a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor without overwhelming the dish.
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Creamy comfort: The smooth, cheesy sauce perfectly coats every strand of spaghetti.
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Family-friendly: Adults and kids alike love the hearty combination of chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce.
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Customizable: Add vegetables or extra cheese to make it your own.
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is a meal that satisfies on every level—creamy, spicy, cheesy, and filling all at once.
Ingredients
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12 ounces spaghetti
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
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Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Add the cheeses: Slowly stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
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Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the drained spaghetti and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
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Don’t overcook the pasta: Spaghetti will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, so drain it just before it reaches al dente.
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Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes. For a bolder kick, add more Cajun spice.
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Use fresh cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother texture than pre-grated varieties.
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Make it ahead: You can prep the chicken and vegetables a day ahead, then assemble the sauce and pasta when ready to serve.
Variations to Try
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Vegetable-packed: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.
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Cheesy heaven: Mix in a cup of shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for an even creamier dish.
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Low-carb option: Replace spaghetti with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
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Smoky twist: Use smoked chicken or add a touch of smoked paprika to intensify the flavor.
Why Cajun Seasoning Works
Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish. Its bold, savory profile comes from a combination of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Unlike generic spicy blends, Cajun seasoning provides a balanced heat that complements creamy sauces rather than overpowering them. When paired with chicken and pasta, it creates a flavor combination that’s rich, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Perfect Occasions for This Dish
Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is versatile enough for any occasion:
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Weeknight family dinner: Quick, filling, and loved by kids and adults alike.
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Casual dinner parties: Impress guests with a dish that feels gourmet but is easy to make.
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Cozy evenings: Perfect for a quiet night in with a bowl of pasta and a glass of sparkling water or iced tea.
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Potluck or gathering: Keeps warm and flavorful, making it ideal for serving a crowd.
Pairing Suggestions
To elevate your meal, consider serving Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with:
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
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Fresh green salad: Light and crisp greens balance the richness of the pasta.
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Roasted vegetables: Adds color, texture, and extra nutrition.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream sauce, which can separate when thawed.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts, especially if you prefer meat that’s more tender and juicy. Thighs have a slightly higher fat content, which helps keep the chicken moist while cooking and adds extra flavor to the creamy Cajun sauce. When using thighs, you can either leave them whole, slice them into bite-sized pieces, or even dice them—whatever suits your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through than breasts. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly safe and juicy chicken. Using thighs can also give the dish a richer taste that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce and the bold Cajun spices.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This dish is easily adaptable for a vegetarian diet without losing any of its comforting qualities. You can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even eggplant. For a protein boost, plant-based chicken alternatives or tofu work well too. Be sure to swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to maintain the depth of flavor in the sauce. Sautéing the vegetables first with the spices helps them absorb the bold Cajun flavor, ensuring the dish stays rich and satisfying even without meat. This way, you’ll still enjoy the creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and vibrant taste that makes this spaghetti so irresistible.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, there are a few ways to amp up the spice in this dish. Start by adding more Cajun seasoning directly to the chicken and sauce. You can also include extra crushed red pepper flakes or a small pinch of cayenne pepper in the creamy sauce. Remember to taste as you go so that the spice level is just right for your preference. The creamy sauce naturally balances the heat, so you can make it bold without it being overwhelming. For a more subtle kick, you can reduce the red pepper flakes while keeping the Cajun seasoning, giving the dish that smoky, flavorful profile without too much spiciness.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti ahead of time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Prepare the chicken, sauté the vegetables, and even make the sauce a day in advance. Keep everything stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the spaghetti and combine it with the prepped ingredients. Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth if needed to maintain the creamy consistency. This method ensures the flavors stay fresh and the sauce doesn’t separate, giving you a meal that tastes just as good as freshly made.
Why This Recipe is a Crowd-Pleaser
This recipe works on so many levels: it’s creamy, comforting, and satisfying, yet quick enough for a busy weeknight. The Cajun spices give it just enough kick to feel special without overwhelming the palate. It’s a dish that appeals to both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers, making it perfect for families and entertaining alike. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and rich, cheesy sauce makes it irresistible.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is approachable, flavorful, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bring the taste of Louisiana to your kitchen without the fuss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is the ultimate choice. It’s versatile, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with vegetables, cheeses, and spice levels to make it uniquely yours. Once you master the base recipe, you’ll have a go-to meal that’s perfect for almost any occasion.
This dish embodies everything we love about comfort food: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying. So grab your skillet, boil some pasta, and treat yourself to a bowl of Cajun-inspired, creamy perfection tonight.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Simple and Delicious
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich, comforting pasta dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress friends and family. This recipe brings bold Louisiana-inspired flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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12 ounces spaghetti
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 red bell pepper, diced
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1 green bell pepper, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and simmer gently.
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Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and mix to coat with sauce. Add cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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For juicier chicken, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
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Adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
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Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a smoother sauce.
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Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes



