Name: ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp salted butter, divided; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 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); 1½ cups heavy cream; ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar; ¾ cup grated Parmesan (for the 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·5.3 from 20 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce – a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and just a hint of decadence into every single twirl of pasta. Imagine tender strips of chicken, coated in a crispy Parmesan crust, nestled onto a bed of spaghetti that’s gleaming with a velvety, three-cheese Cajun cream sauce. The garlic and spice are bold but never overwhelming, while flecks of fresh parsley add a vibrant lift. This is the kind of meal that draws everyone to the kitchen, noses in the air, and makes you the hero of dinner. If you’ve been looking for that go-to creamy pasta night recipe with a Southern twist, trust me, this one will steal your heart.

ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is that it layers everyday ingredients with a few special touches for unforgettable flavors. Each addition brings something important to the table—whether it’s richness, spice, or a fresh zing right at the end. Here’s what you’ll need, plus why you won’t want to skip a thing:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These become beautifully juicy and the perfect canvas for all those spices and that crispy Parmesan crust.
Spaghetti: The classic base, perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy Cajun sauce.
Olive oil: Stops the pasta sticking and gets the chicken golden and flavorful while keeping things light.
Salted butter: Four tablespoons add richness and depth to both the chicken and the final sauce.
Garlic: Five fresh cloves infuse the whole dish with aromatic power – don’t skimp here!
Cajun seasoning: The star blend, bringing a lovely Cajun kick and earthy spice.
Smoked paprika: Adds warmth, color, and a subtle smokiness that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Simple, but absolutely essential for seasoning at every step.
Grated Parmesan (for crusting the chicken): This forms a delightful, savory crust on every chicken strip—heavenly!
Heavy cream: The backbone of our luscious, dreamy sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Deepens the sauce without overpowering; opt for low-sodium so you control the salt.
Shredded mozzarella: Melt-in-your-mouth stretchiness and subtle flavor in every bite.
Shredded sharp cheddar: Brings creamy sharpness and that gorgeous yellow buttery color.
Grated Parmesan (for the sauce): Doubles up for cheesy depth in the sauce itself.
Cream cheese: Just a touch for silkiness and a subtle tang.
Italian seasoning: A little pinch rounds things out with an herbal lift.
Dried basil: For a sweetly aromatic touch that ties everything together.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you like extra heat, this is your invitation to turn it up!
Fresh chopped parsley: Finishes the dish with fresh, green brightness—and makes it pop on the plate.

How to Make ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook until just al dente—you want it tender but with a little bite. Once done, drain it and toss it ever so lightly with a drizzle of olive oil. This keeps the noodles from sticking together while you work on the sauce and chicken. Set those glistening strands aside as you get ready for the real magic!

Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Parmesan Chicken

Pat your chicken strips dry with paper towels (this helps them get beautifully golden). Sprinkle generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every piece gets coated in bold flavor. Now press a lovely snowy coat of grated Parmesan right onto the strips—this will create a gorgeous, savory crust as they cook.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high and swirl in the olive oil plus half of your butter. Lay in the chicken strips and let them sear for about 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are crisp and cooked through. Throw in another knob of butter and half the garlic for that last golden minute—the aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering! Once the chicken is cooked and golden, transfer it to a plate to rest.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

Drop the last tablespoon of butter into the same pan and let it melt, then toss in the rest of the garlic. Sauté for around 30 seconds to infuse the butter with incredible flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring it to a gentle simmer. Whisk in dollops of cream cheese until everything is creamy-smooth. Now slowly add the mozzarella, cheddar, and another shower of grated Parmesan, stirring as the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously cheesy. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, dried basil, and as much red pepper as your spice-loving heart desires. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper before moving on!

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Assemble

Add your cooked spaghetti right into the skillet with the sauce. Tongs are your best friend here—give everything a generous toss so all the pasta gets properly coated in creamy, spicy goodness. Let the pasta sit over low heat for a minute so those flavors really meld together. To finish, twirl heaps of spaghetti onto plates and top with the golden Parmesan chicken. Don’t forget a flurry of freshly chopped parsley for that extra pop of color and a fresh aroma.

How to Serve ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce

ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A finishing touch truly takes ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce from “just dinner” to an experience. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for color and lightness—a handful also amps up the fragrance. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurt anyone, and if you love heat, dot with more crushed red pepper flakes. Don’t skip a swoosh of sauce and a slice of lemon on the side for those who crave even more zing.

Side Dishes

Serve your ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette, which cuts through the creaminess in delightful contrast. A warm, crusty baguette is also wonderful for mopping up extra sauce, and roasted green beans or buttery asparagus make for all-around winning veggie sides. Don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine to round out the meal!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, twirl individual portions into nests on each plate, then crown with a fan of Parmesan-crusted chicken. For family style, pile high on a big serving platter and shower with herbs and cheese at the table. You can even serve the chicken on skewers for a modern twist or offer a “build your own” pasta bar with extra sauce, cheese, and toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce keep surprisingly well! Place the cooled pasta and chicken in airtight containers and refrigerate; they’ll be perfect for up to three days. Store the sauce and chicken separately from the noodles, if possible, to keep the chicken crisp and the spaghetti from getting too soft.

Freezing

If you’re thinking ahead, good news: this dish freezes! Portion the sauce and chicken into freezer-safe containers (avoid freezing the noodles for best texture), and tuck away for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and prepare a fresh batch of spaghetti when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened. If you’ve frozen the sauce and chicken, let them thaw first. For best results, quickly pan-fry the chicken strips to recapture that Parmesan crust before topping your hot and creamy pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work beautifully in ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?

Ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce leans on the bolder side, but the cream and cheese keep it balanced. If you’re sensitive to heat, use a mild Cajun seasoning and skip the extra crushed red pepper. If you love fiery flavors, crank up the red pepper flakes!

Can I swap the chicken for another protein?

Certainly! This sauce and spice combo loves company. Try shrimp, seared sausage, or even roasted veggies for a satisfying twist. Just adjust cooking times for each protein and enjoy a whole new spin on ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce.

How can I make this dish lighter?

To lighten things up, use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream in the sauce, and reduce the cheese amounts slightly. Grilled chicken instead of Parmesan-crusted chicken can also cut down on richness without sacrificing that Cajun flair.

Is this kid-friendly?

With a gentle hand on the Cajun spices and red pepper, this dish becomes a creamy, cheesy favorite for kids. You can even let little hands help stir the sauce or sprinkle the cheese – everyone will be eager for a second helping of ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce!

Final Thoughts

ken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is the kind of comfort food you’ll want to come back to, week after week. Creamy, cheesy, and full of Southern personality, it’s a showstopper for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need a little extra love on your plate. Gather your friends or family and treat them to this unforgettable pasta—they’ll be raving about it long after the last forkful!