Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich and indulgent pasta dish that delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Tender chicken is seared to perfection, then tossed with spaghetti in a velvety cream sauce infused with Cajun spices, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a dish that’s creamy, slightly spicy, and packed with bold flavors. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky kick that balances beautifully with the cream and cheese, while garlic provides depth and aroma. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this pasta dish is comforting yet exciting, offering a restaurant-quality meal right at home. If you enjoy pasta recipes with a little heat and plenty of creaminess, this one will quickly become a favorite.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spaghetti – The pasta base of the dish, ideal for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.

Chicken breasts – Juicy and tender, these are seasoned and seared for maximum flavor.

Olive oil – Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.

Butter – Enriches the sauce and enhances the garlic flavor.

Garlic – Provides a savory, aromatic base that complements the Parmesan and Cajun spices.

Cajun seasoning – The key flavoring, adding spice, smokiness, and depth to the dish.

Paprika – Enhances color and gives a subtle smoky note.

Heavy cream – Creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce.

Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the cream sauce.

Chicken broth – Lightens the sauce slightly while deepening flavor.

Red pepper flakes – Provide extra heat to balance the creaminess.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.

Fresh parsley – A bright garnish that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Directions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside, then slice into strips.

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, with cooking requiring an additional 25 minutes. In total, the dish is ready in 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it may dry out the chicken. Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Shrimp Cajun Pasta – Swap the chicken for shrimp to create a seafood version.

Extra Cheesy – Add mozzarella or provolone for a gooier, cheesier sauce.

Vegetable Boost – Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.

Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for dietary needs.

Lighter Sauce – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter option.

Baked Version – Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Herb Twist – Add fresh thyme or basil along with parsley for aromatic depth.

Extra Heat – Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne for spice lovers.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti is traditional, but linguine or fettuccine also work beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works well; just skip the searing step.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a moderate heat, but you can adjust by increasing or reducing Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

Asiago, Romano, or Pecorino can be substituted for a similar nutty flavor.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and chicken in advance, then toss with fresh pasta just before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives.

What protein alternatives work well?

Shrimp, salmon, or even sausage make excellent substitutes for chicken.

Can I bake this pasta?

Yes, top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a bold, creamy pasta dish that blends comfort with excitement. The combination of tender chicken, rich Parmesan, and smoky Cajun seasoning creates a flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy pasta lovers. Once you try it, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!