Description
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings together the comfort of Italian cuisine and the boldness of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a rapid boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it’s tender but still al dente. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. After that, drain the spaghetti and set it aside, allowing the excess water to drip off.
- While the pasta cooks, take the chicken strips and pat them dry with paper towels. This is important as it helps the seasoning stick better and also allows for a nice golden color when seared. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then, heat the olive oil along with 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6–7 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Add in the minced garlic and sauté for around 30 seconds until fragrant. It’s essential to keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once the garlic is aromatic, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Make sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet as they add incredible flavor. Let this mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually add the Velveeta and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes smooth. Now, it’s time to introduce the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Feel free to adjust the seasoning with the Italian spice blend and additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper as needed.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet and gently stir until all the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy Cajun cheese sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes so that the flavors meld beautifully together. Once finished, top with the seared chicken, spoon some extra sauce over everything, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve while warm.
Notes
Reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust the sauce’s thickness later if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 930 kcal
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Protein: 47 g