Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of dinner that makes you stop mid-bite and say, wow. I made it on a whim one night when I wanted something comforting, spicy, and cheesy — and now it’s become a favorite in my kitchen. The perfectly seasoned Cajun chicken, tender spaghetti, and that irresistibly creamy garlic cheese sauce all work together to create a dish that feels indulgent without being fussy.

I love how easy it is to pull this meal together, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. That bold Cajun spice combined with mellow garlic and melty mozzarella creates a harmony of flavors that’s incredibly satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for friends or just myself, this dish never disappoints.

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

• Flavor Explosion: The Cajun seasoning packs just the right amount of heat, perfectly balanced by the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce.
• Restaurant-Worthy but Simple: You’ll feel like a chef making this, but the steps are easy enough for any night of the week.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Melty cheese, pasta, creamy sauce, and juicy chicken — what’s not to love?
• Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner the next day.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This is one of those dishes that gets compliments every single time.

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

I always go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook quickly, stay juicy when properly seared, and soak up the Cajun spices beautifully. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs are also a great choice — they bring a richer flavor and are a bit more forgiving if you accidentally cook them a minute too long. Whatever cut you choose, just make sure to slice it thinly after cooking for that perfect bite with every forkful of spaghetti.

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Options for Substitutions

Want to tweak the recipe a bit? Totally doable. Here are some simple swaps that still deliver amazing results:

• Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even tofu if you’re going meatless.
• Pasta: Spaghetti works great, but fettuccine, linguine, or even penne will hold up well to the sauce.
• Mozzarella: If you’re out of mozzarella, try provolone or Monterey Jack — just make sure it’s a melty cheese.
• Cream: No heavy cream? Use half-and-half, or even evaporated milk for a lighter sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: If you’re out of Cajun spice, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper works just fine.
• Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are excellent if you want to bulk it up or sneak in some veggies.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  Essential for building that flavorful Cajun crust and delivering juicy, tender bites of protein in every forkful.
• Cajun Seasoning
  This blend adds the bold, smoky heat that defines the dish. It’s the star of the show.
• Spaghetti
  The perfect pasta to soak up all that creamy garlic sauce and provide the satisfying base of the dish.
• Garlic (minced)
  Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a rich, aromatic depth that balances the creaminess beautifully.
• Butter
  Used to sauté the garlic and help create a velvety foundation for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream
  The backbone of the creamy sauce, giving it that luscious, smooth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
  Melted into the sauce, it brings irresistible gooeyness and cheesy comfort.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated)
  Adds a salty, nutty finish that balances the richness of the mozzarella and cream.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  Sprinkled in for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens the whole dish.
• Olive Oil
  Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and locks in flavor.
• Salt & Pepper
  Simple, essential seasonings that round out the overall flavor profile.

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously coating both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, a little salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until it develops a deep, golden crust. Once cooked through, transfer to a plate and let it rest.

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Step 2: Boil the Spaghetti

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain, but don’t rinse — you want that starchy surface to grab onto the sauce later.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until smooth and melty.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and glossy with cheesy garlic creaminess. Let it simmer on low for another minute to thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Slice the Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into thin strips. Plate the pasta in generous mounds, then top with the sliced Cajun chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a final burst of flavor.

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

The entire process takes about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish:

• Chicken: 10–12 minutes (5–6 minutes per side)
• Spaghetti: 8–10 minutes (boiled until al dente)
• Sauce + Assembly: 10–12 minutes

It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving something hearty and flavorful.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Pull it off the heat once the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C). Letting it rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
• Use Fresh Garlic: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor compared to jarred garlic.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella has anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Season Gradually: Cajun seasoning blends vary in saltiness. Taste the sauce before adding more salt.
• Save Pasta Water: If the sauce gets too thick, a splash of starchy pasta water can loosen it up without diluting flavor.
• Finish with a Broil (Optional): After assembling, pop the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese top.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the Resting Time for Chicken
  If you slice the chicken too soon, all the juices run out. Always give it 5 minutes to rest after cooking.
• Overcooking the Pasta
  Al dente is key. Overcooked spaghetti turns mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
• Letting the Garlic Burn
  Garlic can go from fragrant to bitter fast. Keep the heat low and stir constantly once it hits the pan.
• Adding Cheese Too Quickly
  Dumping all the mozzarella at once can cause clumping. Stir it in gradually over low heat.
• Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasoning
  Not all Cajun seasonings are created equal — some are spicier or saltier than others. Taste as you go.

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

Garlic Bread

A crunchy, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect companion to mop up the extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine with creamy dressing adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

The roasted edges and mild bitterness cut through the creaminess beautifully.

A Glass of Chardonnay

The buttery notes in the wine pair wonderfully with the garlic cheese sauce.

Baked Zucchini or Eggplant Rounds

Light, cheesy vegetable sides balance the richness of the main dish.

Lemon-Butter Asparagus

Bright and citrusy, this side adds a fresh pop to your plate.

Marinated Olives or Antipasto

Salty bites like olives or a little antipasto board work well as starters.

Cracked Pepper & Parmesan Chips

A fun crunchy snack or side that echoes the cheesy, peppery elements of the pasta.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers — lucky you! This dish stores really well.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, just stir halfway through and don’t overheat.
• Freezing: Not ideal. Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, expect a change in texture.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 of 4 servings)

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg

These are rough estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of Cajun seasoning works best?

Any store-bought Cajun blend will work, but I prefer one that doesn’t list salt as the first ingredient — that way, you have more control over the saltiness. Homemade Cajun seasoning is also a great option if you like to tweak the heat.

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Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes! Just reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also stir a little extra cream into the sauce at the end to mellow out the heat.

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Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, since regular spaghetti contains wheat. But you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

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Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. Great for meal prep.

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What if my sauce turns out too thick?

No problem — just add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit of milk to loosen it up until it’s silky again.

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Can I add vegetables?

Totally. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes are all great add-ins that complement the flavors and add color and texture.

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How can I make it lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk. You can also use less cheese and go for a leaner protein like grilled shrimp or chicken breast.

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Does it reheat well?

Yes, and it’s just as delicious the next day! Add a bit of milk or cream when reheating to revive the sauce, and heat it gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of dish that checks every box — comforting, flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers. The Cajun spices, creamy cheese sauce, and juicy chicken come together in perfect harmony to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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