Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Recipe – Cozy, Creamy, and Just a Little Spicy

Introduction

The first time I made this, the whole house smelled like a warm Saturday night — garlic, cream, and that smoky Cajun kick. Right away I knew this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti would become one of those go-to meals when I want comfort and a little excitement on the plate. I’ll walk you through it like a friend, and you’ll hear that soft sizzle and smell the spices before the first bite. If you’re curious, try pairing it with a simple salad and see how the flavors sing together. Also, if you love baked pasta, you might enjoy this cheesy chicken spaghetti bake for another cozy night in: Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti Bake.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, so dinner comes together on busy nights.
• Creamy, comforting flavor with a bright Cajun spice that wakes up the senses.
• Made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• Great for family dinners, but fancy enough for guests.
• Always a crowd-pleaser — everyone asks for seconds, and sometimes thirds.
  Want a different noodle twist? Try a lo mein-style swap for a fun change: Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
• 1 cup heavy cream — Use full-fat for the richest sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I sometimes stir in a little cream cheese or bacon for a richer twist; if you like that idea, check this playful sandwich recipe for inspiration: Addictive Cream Cheese Bacon Ranch Chicken Sandwiches.

How to Make It

1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then add the 8 oz spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside. You want the noodles tender but with a little bite.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning. You’ll hear that soft sizzle — that’s when it’s just right. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Push the chicken to the side, then add the 3 cloves minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; the aroma should lift the whole room.
4. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens and coats a spoon. If the sauce feels too thin, simmer a little longer; if it’s too thick, add a splash more broth. (For a peppery twist, try seasoning the chicken like a black pepper chicken and taste as you go: Black Pepper Chicken.)
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Be gentle but thorough — you want silky noodles that shine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch more Cajun seasoning if you like extra heat.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saver: Slice the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge so dinner comes together in under 20 minutes.
• Fix for dryness: If the chicken dries out, stir in a splash more cream or broth and a pat of butter; it brings back silkiness.
• Personal twist: Swap leftover shredded fried chicken for the sliced breast — I do this after a weekend cookout and it transforms leftovers into a new favorite. Try leftover buttermilk fried chicken for a crunchy swap: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe.

Serving Ideas

Serve this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti hot from the skillet for the coziest experience. It’s perfect for family dinner, a chilly weeknight, or even a casual dinner party. Pair it with:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
• Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, for color and texture.
• A slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
  Finish with extra parsley, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or grated Parmesan if you like.
  

Storing & Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
• Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Leftover idea: Use cold leftovers in a warm pasta salad or wrap the chicken and noodles in a tortilla with fresh greens for a spicy lunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Reheat slowly so the cream doesn’t separate.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! Use what you have — chicken thighs, turkey, or even shrimp work well. This recipe is forgiving and fun to adapt.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Serve it hot and straight from the pan while it’s still aromatic and creamy. A crisp side salad balances the richness nicely.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden chicken edges and a silky sauce that clings to the pasta; the fragrant smell tells you it’s done.

Final Thoughts

This recipe lives in my weeknight rotation because it’s fast, comforting, and a little bit daring — just like those Sunday dinners I remember. It’s the kind of bowl that warms your hands and lifts your mood. Make it your own, add a twist you love, and share it with someone who appreciates a good, cozy plate of pasta. Try this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti and let it become one of your happy, delicious habits.

Conclusion

If you want a creamy twist on this idea, take a look at this creamy version for inspiration: Creamy Cajun Spaghetti with Chicken | Get On My Plate. Or, if you’re curious about a lower-carb bake, check out this spaghetti squash version for a lighter take: Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Squash Bake – Destination Delish. I hope you love this Cajun Chicken Spaghetti as much as I do — it’s comfort with a little kick.

Cajun Chicken Spaghetti

A creamy, comforting Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with a hint of spice, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 650

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced Sliced for quicker cooking.

Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it an extra flavor boost.
• 1 cup heavy cream Use full-fat for the richest sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth To adjust sauce thickness.
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
• Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning.

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish before serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Push the chicken to the side and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine, and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat every strand in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as preferred.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.