Description
A creamy, spicy Cajun pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This one-pot wonder is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and bold.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Season chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. Add chicken back to the skillet. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For extra heat, add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: American