What ingredients do I need to make creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti?

To make creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti, you’ll need cooked pasta (usually spaghetti), boneless chicken breasts or thighs, Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, onions, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and shredded cheese like Parmesan or cheddar. Olive oil or butter is used for sautéing, and salt and pepper are added to taste. Fresh parsley can be included for garnish. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, creamy dish with a spicy kick.

How can I make Cajun chicken spaghetti creamy without using heavy cream?

If you want to avoid heavy cream, substitute with half-and-half, whole milk thickened with a little flour, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. To maintain creaminess, start by making a roux with butter and flour, then slowly whisk in your chosen milk substitute and chicken broth. This method creates a rich sauce base that mimics heavy cream’s texture and complements the Cajun spices well.

How long does it take to cook Cajun chicken spaghetti from start to finish?

Preparing creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This includes 10-15 minutes to cook the pasta, 10-15 minutes to sauté and cook the chicken and vegetables, and 5-10 minutes to prepare and combine the creamy sauce. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your stove and how finely you chop vegetables.

Can I prepare Cajun chicken spaghetti in advance and reheat it later?

Yes, Cajun chicken spaghetti can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

What side dishes go well with creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti?

Creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti pairs well with simple, fresh side dishes like a green salad with vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is a popular choice for soaking up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, serve with sautéed green beans or a citrusy coleslaw to add a refreshing contrast to the creamy spicy pasta.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti Quick One Pot Dinner Recipe

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: – 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika for the Cajun seasoning; – 1 teaspoon oregano for the Cajun seasoning; – 1 teaspoon thyme for the Cajun seasoning; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the Cajun seasoning; – 1 teaspoon onion powder for the Cajun seasoning; – ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for the Cajun seasoning; adjust to taste for heat level; – ½ teaspoon black pepper for the Cajun seasoning; – ½ teaspoon salt for the Cajun seasoning; – 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking; – 1 tablespoon butter for cooking; – 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes; – 1 medium yellow onion, diced; – 12 ounces penne pasta uncooked; serves as the base; – 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices; – 3 cups chicken broth; – 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks for the creamy sauce; – 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Description

🍗 This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe offers a quick and satisfying dinner packed with bold Cajun flavors and tender chicken.
🍝 Perfect for busy evenings, it combines creamy, spicy, and hearty elements in a simple one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

– 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika for the Cajun seasoning

– 1 teaspoon oregano for the Cajun seasoning

– 1 teaspoon thyme for the Cajun seasoning

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder for the Cajun seasoning

– 1 teaspoon onion powder for the Cajun seasoning

– ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for the Cajun seasoning; adjust to taste for heat level

– ½ teaspoon black pepper for the Cajun seasoning

– ½ teaspoon salt for the Cajun seasoning

– 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

– 1 tablespoon butter for cooking

– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

– 1 medium yellow onion, diced

– 12 ounces penne pasta uncooked; serves as the base

– 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices

– 3 cups chicken broth

– 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks for the creamy sauce

– 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

1-First, prepare the Cajun seasoning by combining 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl.

2-Coat 1 ½ pounds of cubed chicken breasts with 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoning mix.

3-Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

4-Sauté 1 diced medium yellow onion in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes until softened.

5-Add 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta, one 14.5-ounce can of fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and 3 cups chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.

6-Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

7-Return the chicken to the skillet with 4 ounces cream cheese chunks. Stir until the cheese melts and the chicken is fully cooked, then garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions and serve.

Notes

🌶 Adjust cayenne pepper amount to customize heat level.
🧀 Substitute cream cheese with heavy cream or half-and-half for a different creamy texture.
🍤 Add extras like cooked bacon, Parmesan cheese, or shrimp (add shrimp in last 3-4 minutes of simmering).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: One pot cooking
Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 483
Sodium: 847 mg
Fat: 14.6 g
Carbohydrates: 51.5 g
Fiber: 3.5 g
Protein: 35 g

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, One pot pasta, Creamy chicken pasta, Quick dinner