Name: ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; ½ cup grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken); 4 tbsp salted butter, divided; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups heavy cream; ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar; ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for sauce); 2 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp dried basil; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 6 reviews

If you’re yearning for a meal that’s as comforting as it is bold, look no further than Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce. This dish is an absolute flavor festival: tender chicken crusted in parmesan, ribbons of spaghetti tangled in a rich, creamy Cajun sauce, and a glorious trio of melted cheeses that perfectly balances heat with indulgence. Each forkful is a celebration, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or you’re just craving a pick-me-up after a long day. Trust me, this is the kind of pasta that turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable.

ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

While the ingredient list for ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce looks impressive, every component plays an important role. You don’t need anything fancy — just good-quality basics and a few hardworking spices. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus exactly why each one matters:

Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, these are protein-packed and soak up the Cajun flavor beautifully.
Spaghetti: The pasta soaks up all that luscious sauce and acts as the comforting canvas for the dish.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken; just a drizzle gives gorgeous golden color and flavor.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps both the chicken and sauce develop flavor.
Garlic: Don’t skimp! Minced garlic infuses both the chicken and the sauce with irresistible aroma.
Cajun seasoning: This fiery blend is the backbone of the dish, packing every bite with zesty Southern warmth.
Smoked paprika: Adds a layer of smokiness that deepens the Cajun backbone.
Salt and black pepper: These essentials lift and balance every flavor in the pan.
Grated Parmesan (for the chicken): Creates a savory, crisp crust on the chicken that’s simply mouthwatering.
Heavy cream: The ticket to a rich, decadent Cajun cream sauce that envelops every strand of pasta.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth without overpowering or making the dish too salty.
Shredded mozzarella: Melts into the sauce for ultra-stretchy, gooey goodness.
Shredded sharp cheddar: Balances the sauce with tangy complexity and gorgeous golden color.
Grated Parmesan (for the sauce): Gives the creamy sauce a nutty, salty backbone.
Cream cheese: Softened and blended for smooth, thick silkiness in the sauce.
Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of dried herbs perks up the creamy cheese blend.
Dried basil: Brings a subtle note of sweetness and color.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little extra zing if you’re feeling brave!
Fresh chopped parsley: The perfect finishing touch for freshness and vibrant color.

How to Make ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti until it’s just al dente — that little bite is important, since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Once drained, toss the pasta lightly with olive oil so it doesn’t tangle into a sticky mess, and set it aside.

Step 2: Season and Crust the Chicken

Pat your chicken strips dry with a paper towel; this helps the spices stick more easily. Generously sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and cracked black pepper, then press the grated Parmesan onto each strip to form a light, savory crust. This step infuses your chicken with bold flavor before it even hits the pan.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil and half your butter in a large skillet over medium-high. When it’s shimmering, add the parmesan-crusted chicken and sear for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping as you go. The goal: beautifully golden, cooked-through pieces that stay juicy inside. In the last minute, toss in another dab of butter and half the garlic, letting it melt into the chicken for ultra-fragrant, buttery goodness. Set the chicken aside.

Step 4: Build the Cajun Cream Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t wash out those golden bits!), drop in the last tablespoon of butter. Add the rest of your minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stir, and let it come up to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings

Whisk the softened cream cheese into the simmering sauce until it’s fully melted and smooth. Gradually stir in the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan, creating a creamy blanket of flavor. Finish with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Taste, then adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Let it thicken for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce clings luxuriously to the spoon.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add your al dente spaghetti directly to the sauce, using tongs to twirl and coat it thoroughly. Let it sit over the lowest heat for a minute, soaking up all that Cajun, cheesy goodness. Plate the saucy spaghetti, layer on the golden parmesan chicken strips, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. There you have it: ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce that’s pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Garnishes

For a final touch that really wakes up this dish, I love to scatter fresh chopped parsley right before serving. If you want even more flavor, a pinch of extra grated Parmesan over the top is always a hit, and a light dusting of smoked paprika adds restaurant-level flair. For a pop of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes never hurts!

Side Dishes

A crisp, simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce. You can also pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans make a wonderful, colorful addition.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try serving portions of the spaghetti twirled into nests in shallow bowls, with sliced chicken fanned over the top and a dusting of fresh herbs. Ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce also makes a showstopping centerpiece in a large, family-style platter, perfect for guests to help themselves. For an elegant twist, serve smaller portions in ramekins as part of a tasting menu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a lifesaver on a busy day. Transfer cooled pasta and chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next-day plate just as heavenly!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion the cooled pasta and chicken into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to one month. To avoid mushy pasta, slightly undercook the spaghetti beforehand — it’ll finish as it reheats in the sauce.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, and gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot. The cheese will melt back together for that signature creamy finish!

FAQs

Can I make ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Just dial back the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. This way, you keep all that gorgeous flavor but with a much milder kick, making it family-friendly for everyone at the table.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken instead of slicing it?

If you prefer your chicken shredded, cook the breasts as instructed, then let them cool slightly before using two forks to pull them apart. Toss the shredded pieces in a bit of the sauce before serving for extra juiciness.

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Spaghetti is classic for ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne all work beautifully and soak up the sauce just as well!

What should I do if my sauce turns out too thick?

It’s easy to fix! Stir in a splash more chicken broth or a bit of milk, whisking until the sauce loosens to your preferred consistency without sacrificing flavor.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or even a dollop of sour cream can add that extra richness and smooth texture. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed!

Final Thoughts

If you love comfort food with a punch of personality, ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is an absolute must-try. I can’t wait for you to bring these flavors into your own kitchen and to hear what you think — this dish just might become a new favorite tradition!