The Ultimate Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for Weeknights

Ingredients for Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein for this Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti, ensuring tender bites. Cut evenly for consistent cooking.
• Spaghetti: The essential pasta base, perfectly carrying the rich, creamy sauce. Cook al dente for best texture.
• Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious creaminess, balancing bold Cajun spices. Full-fat cream is truly essential for that signature rich, creamy sauce.
• Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid foundation for our rich Cajun sauce. Opt for low-sodium to control saltiness.
• Yellow onion: A crucial aromatic, part of the “holy trinity” for authentic Cajun flavor. Dice it finely for even distribution.
• Green bell pepper: Adds crisp texture and classic Cajun sweetness to the dish. An essential component of the flavor base.
• Garlic: Infuses deep, pungent flavor throughout the creamy sauce. Freshly minced garlic is always superior for potency.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated umami and subtle sweetness deepens the sauce’s color and richness. Sauté briefly to enhance flavor.
• Unsalted butter: The foundation for our roux, adding richness and thickening the sauce. Use unsalted butter for better salt control.
• All-purpose flour: Essential for creating a roux, thickening the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency. Cook well to avoid raw taste.
• Cajun seasoning: Delivers the characteristic spicy Cajun kick, making this dish bold. Adjust to your personal heat preference.
• Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors, making them pop. Always season to taste throughout cooking.
• Black pepper: Adds warmth and subtle spice, complementing the Cajun seasoning. Freshly ground pepper offers the best aroma.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty, tangy depth and extra creaminess. Grate fresh for superior flavor.
• Fresh green onions: Provides a fresh, mild oniony bite and vibrant color contrast as a garnish. Chop just before serving.

How to Make Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

Prep Ingredients:

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces, dice onion and bell pepper, and mince garlic. Season chicken with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Get ready for a delicious Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti.

Cook Chicken:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken. Add remaining butter, then sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.

Build Sauce:

Add flour to the skillet, cook for one minute to make a roux. Stir in tomato paste and minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps, then add remaining Cajun seasoning.

Simmer & Boil:

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cooking until it slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain well, reserving some pasta water for the Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti.

Combine Dish:

Add cooked chicken and drained spaghetti to the simmering sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce emulsifies beautifully. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.

Garnish & Serve:

Dish out your incredible Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped green onions and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve this comforting, warm meal immediately for a delightful weeknight dinner.

How to Store Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

To keep your Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti fresh, store leftovers promptly. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this, texture and flavors will degrade. Don’t leave it out too long before refrigerating, a mistake I made once! Always check for off-smells before reheating to ensure it’s still good.

For make-ahead ease, store cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a day. Cook spaghetti fresh just before serving and combine everything for optimal texture. When reheating, a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream helps loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.

What to Serve with Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

To serve this Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti, simply dish it warm into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh green onions and extra grated Parmesan for a vibrant touch. This comforting pasta is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with a crisp side salad or warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy it immediately!

I personally love to serve this rich spaghetti with a simple, zesty green salad. The crisp freshness perfectly contrasts the creamy, bold flavors. This pairing allows you to enjoy every satisfying bite, balancing the richness beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute milk or half-and-half for heavy cream in this Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti?

Using milk or half-and-half will result in a much thinner sauce that lacks the desired richness. Heavy cream is key for the “creamy” texture. If you must, add a bit more flour to thicken, but it won’t be the same.

→ How do I prevent a lumpy sauce when making this Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti?

Whisk the flour into the melted butter thoroughly to create a smooth roux before adding liquids. Then, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. My mistake was rushing!

→ Can I make this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti gluten-free for dietary needs?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply use gluten-free spaghetti and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like rice or corn flour). The sauce will still thicken beautifully for a delicious meal.

→ How long can I store leftover Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, the texture of the spaghetti and the richness of the sauce can degrade. Always check for off-smells before reheating.

→ Can I freeze this Bold & Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti for later?

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, as dairy-based sauces can separate upon thawing and reheating, becoming grainy. The spaghetti also tends to get mushy. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for a few days.