Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 3, 2025

Featured in: Main Dishes

Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce, a dish that perfectly balances spicy seasoning with decadent cheese. Tender chunks of Cajun-seasoned chicken are tossed with al dente spaghetti and enveloped in a smooth, garlicky cream sauce bursting with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, creating a hearty meal that satisfies both the spice lover and cheese enthusiast.

This dish comes together quickly on the stovetop, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. The combination of bold Cajun spices and creamy cheesy sauce offers a cozy, irresistible taste experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The perfect harmony of spicy Cajun chicken with a creamy garlic mozzarella sauce creates a comforting yet bold main dish.
Quick stovetop preparation makes it accessible for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
Loaded with rich cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for an irresistibly creamy texture.
Customizable heat level to suit mild or adventurous palates, ensuring everyone enjoys it.
Great for leftovers and easy to reheat, making it practical for meal planning.

Ingredients

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces for tender, flavorful protein that absorbs Cajun spices well.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for searing chicken, adding subtle richness and helping develop a crispy exterior.
Cajun seasoning: 2 tablespoons to infuse the chicken with traditional spicy, smoky, and aromatic southern flavors.
Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon adds a deep, smoky undertone enhancing the Cajun spice blend.
Spaghetti: 1 pound, cooked al dente to provide the perfect foundation for the creamy sauce and chicken.
Butter: 4 tablespoons used to create a fragrant base for the garlic sauce and roux development.
Garlic cloves: 4 minced, to infuse the sauce with aromatic sharpness and warmth.
All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup, whisked into butter to make a smooth roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
Whole milk: 3 cups for a creamy, rich sauce base that complements the cheese perfectly.
Chicken broth: 1 cup adds depth and savory flavor while thinning the sauce slightly for perfect coating.
Cream cheese: 8 ounces softened, to enrich the sauce with velvety texture and mild tanginess.
Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided to melt smoothly in the sauce and create a gooey topping.
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated, for sharp, nutty flavor enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add according to heat preference to boost the spiciness.

Instructions

Cook spaghetti until al dente: Boil pasta in well-salted water as per package instructions until tender but firm. This ensures a perfect bite that holds up well when tossed with the rich sauce.
Season chicken with Cajun spices: Coat chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to infuse bold flavors directly into the meat, creating a spicy, smoky backbone for the dish.
Sear chicken in olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and brown chicken in batches. Cooking until golden and cooked through locks in juices and builds flavorful crusts for texture contrast.
Prepare garlic butter roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic just until fragrant, avoiding browning. This step builds the aromatic base for the creamy sauce.
Add flour to form roux: Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes. This cooks out raw flour taste and thickens the sauce evenly.
Whisk in milk and chicken broth: Gradually add liquids while whisking to prevent lumps. Bringing to a gentle simmer allows the sauce to thicken smoothly and meld flavors.
Incorporate cream cheese and mozzarella: Stir in softened cream cheese and part of the mozzarella until completely melted. This gives the sauce its signature creamy, cheesy richness and smooth texture.
Finish sauce with Parmesan and seasoning: Add grated Parmesan to enhance nutty complexity then season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste for balanced flavor.
Combine chicken and sauce: Return cooked chicken to the sauce and simmer briefly to heat through and let flavors meld, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Toss spaghetti in sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to skillet, gently tossing to coat all strands evenly in the creamy sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Top with remaining mozzarella: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over pasta, cover, and allow to melt for a luscious cheesy finish, creating a visually appealing and gooey topping.
Serve garnished: Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for color and brightness that balance the rich dish.

You Must Know

Rotisserie or leftover chicken can be used to speed up the cooking process without sacrificing taste.
Feel free to substitute spaghetti with fettuccine, linguine, or penne to vary texture or suit preference.
Adjust the spice level by modifying Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to make it mild or fiery.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover Cajun chicken spaghetti refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to preserve the creamy sauce texture without drying out the pasta or chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Serve alongside garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Professional Tips

Searing chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and promotes caramelization for better flavor and texture.
Whisk liquids gradually during sauce preparation to obtain a silky, lump-free cream sauce.
Using a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a complex, indulgent cheese flavor and perfect sauce consistency.
Resting covered pasta allows cheese to melt perfectly on top, enhancing presentation and taste.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?: Yes, simply substitute regular spaghetti and all-purpose flour with gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the roux.
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?: Absolutely! Shrimp, sausage, or even tofu are great alternatives that complement the Cajun cream sauce well.
How spicy is this dish?: The heat largely depends on the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes; you can adjust amounts for milder or spicier flavors.
Is this suitable for meal prep?: Yes, it stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it perfect for preparing ahead for lunches or dinners.
Can I freeze leftovers?: Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting texture; refrigeration is best.
What type of cheese works best in the sauce?: A combination of cream cheese, mozzarella for melt, and Parmesan for sharpness creates the ideal creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?: If sauce thickens too much, stir in a little additional milk or chicken broth when reheating to loosen it up.