There’s something irresistible about the bold flavors of Cajun spice—especially when it’s paired with juicy, golden-crusted chicken and tossed into a bed of creamy, garlic-infused mozzarella spaghetti. This dish came from one of those spontaneous kitchen moments where I just wanted comfort food with a punch. I needed heat, creaminess, and that rich umami from cheese—all in one bite. And let me tell you, this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti did not disappoint.

The balance in this recipe is what keeps me coming back to it. You get the spicy kick of the Cajun seasoning, the crispy edges of the pan-seared chicken, and the luxurious creaminess of the mozzarella-laced sauce. Every forkful feels indulgent but satisfying, like something you’d get at your favorite bistro—but better, because you made it yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This dish is a weeknight win and a dinner party showstopper all in one. The bold Cajun spices create layers of flavor without requiring complicated ingredients. It’s rich, creamy, and just spicy enough to make things interesting. Plus, it’s easy to customize—whether you like it extra spicy, super cheesy, or packed with veggies, this dish is flexible.

The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, and the contrast with the crispy chicken is just heavenly. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, everyone will be asking for seconds.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Cajun Chicken Spaghetti?

For this dish, I always reach for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re naturally juicier than breasts and hold up really well to the high heat of pan-searing without drying out. The fat content also balances beautifully with the creamy sauce, giving every bite a richer mouthfeel. That said, if you prefer white meat, chicken breasts will also work—just make sure not to overcook them.

The real secret here is getting that dark, spicy crust on the chicken. Whether you use thighs or breasts, press the Cajun seasoning in generously and cook until the edges are almost blackened. That’s the flavor bomb you want hitting the plate.

Options for Substitutions

Chicken: Swap in shrimp, sliced andouille sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or penne all work just as well—go with what you’ve got in the pantry.
Mozzarella: Don’t have mozzarella? Cream cheese, fontina, or even shredded Monterey Jack can be great alternatives.
Heavy cream: Half-and-half works if you want a lighter sauce, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Cajun seasoning: If you’re out, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano does the trick.

This dish is incredibly forgiving, so don’t be afraid to get creative with what you have on hand.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Chicken thighs or breasts
This is the protein star of the dish—juicy, tender, and coated in bold Cajun spices for that smoky, spicy crust.

Cajun seasoning
The backbone of flavor. It brings heat, smokiness, and complexity. Make sure to coat the chicken generously.

Olive oil
Helps sear the chicken to a perfect golden-brown crust while adding depth to the sauce.

Garlic (fresh minced)
You’ll want that punch of real garlic flavor—it builds the base of the sauce and gives the whole dish its signature aroma.

Heavy cream
For richness and creaminess in the sauce. It binds everything together with a silky texture.

Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Melted directly into the cream sauce for stretchy, cheesy goodness that clings to every noodle.

Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
Adds a salty, nutty bite to cut through the richness of the mozzarella and cream.

Spaghetti
Long pasta that holds the sauce well—perfect for twirling into all that creamy, spicy flavor.

Salt & black pepper
For seasoning both the chicken and the sauce. Always taste as you go.

Chopped parsley (for garnish)
A fresh, green contrast to the creamy sauce and golden chicken—it also makes the dish pop visually.

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry, then coat both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to absorb those flavors while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until a deep, golden crust forms. The inside should be cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Season

Reduce heat to low and add the shredded mozzarella and parmesan. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and creamy.

Step 7: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Plate the creamy spaghetti, top with the sliced Cajun chicken, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy every bite.

How Long to Cook Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

This recipe comes together surprisingly fast—perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Chicken cook time: Around 10–12 minutes (5–6 minutes per side) depending on thickness.
Pasta boil time: Usually 8–10 minutes until al dente.
Sauce time: About 5–6 minutes to build flavor and melt the cheese.
Total time: You’re looking at 30–35 minutes from start to plate.

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Don’t skip resting the chicken: Letting it sit after cooking locks in the juices and makes slicing easier.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly.
Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic = bitter sauce. Sauté just until fragrant.
Add pasta water gradually: It helps loosen the sauce without watering it down. Start with a splash, then adjust.
Balance the heat: If your Cajun seasoning is extra spicy, tone it down with more cream or an extra handful of cheese.
Taste as you go: Each step adds flavor—don’t be afraid to adjust salt, pepper, or cheese as needed.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the chicken: Cajun seasoning can darken quickly, so it’s easy to mistake a dark crust for doneness. Use a meat thermometer if unsure—165°F (74°C) is the magic number.
Burning the garlic: It cooks fast, and once it’s overdone, it will turn bitter and overpower the sauce. Keep the heat on medium and stir constantly.
Using pre-shredded mozzarella: It doesn’t melt as smoothly due to added starches. Freshly shredded mozzarella gives a silky, luxurious sauce.
Skipping the pasta water: That starchy water is gold—it helps create a cohesive sauce that sticks to the pasta.
Adding cheese too fast: Toss it in gradually while stirring over low heat to avoid clumps or greasy separation.
Not seasoning the pasta water: Salt your water like the sea. It’s your first chance to flavor the pasta.

What to Serve With Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Nothing sops up creamy sauce better than warm, crispy garlic bread.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the spaghetti beautifully.

Roasted Broccoli

Toss it in olive oil, roast until charred, and sprinkle a little lemon zest for contrast.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a cooling, bright element to balance the heat.

A glass of chilled white wine

Think Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc—the acidity works well with the creamy, spicy profile.

Cucumber & Red Onion Salad

A light, vinegar-based salad can provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Lemon Asparagus

Sautéed or roasted asparagus with a splash of lemon juice adds freshness and color to the plate.

Storage Instructions

Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce stores surprisingly well—just follow a few simple steps to keep it tasting fresh.

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing: While the chicken freezes well, the cream-based sauce can separate when thawed. If you still choose to freeze it, store in individual portions and reheat slowly, stirring often to re-emulsify.
Make ahead: You can prep the chicken and even the sauce a day ahead. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for best texture.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~720 kcal
Protein: 41g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 820mg
Cholesterol: 155mg

These are general estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. If you’re watching your macros, adjust the cream and cheese quantities or swap in whole grain pasta for a healthier twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun Chicken Spaghetti?

It’s got a medium kick. The Cajun seasoning provides heat, but the cream and cheese balance it out. You can easily adjust the spice level by using less seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it’s leaner and dries out faster than thighs.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be flavorful.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and double-checking your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store separately in the fridge and combine with freshly boiled pasta when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Add a splash of cream or milk and reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave. Stir often to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms make great additions and bulk up the dish with color and nutrients.

What if my sauce turns out too thick?

No problem—just stir in some reserved pasta water or a bit more cream to thin it out. Add slowly to avoid watering it down too much.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is everything you want in a comfort meal—bold, creamy, spicy, and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something cozy or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease.

With customizable ingredients and a fail-proof sauce, it’s one of those meals that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it—and once you do, you’ll know exactly why this spicy, creamy pasta has become a favorite in my kitchen.