Description
Fiery Cajun seasoning meets rich Parmesan cream in this ultimate spaghetti dish. Golden-seared chicken strips are coated in a decadent sauce thickened with reserved pasta water.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large)
- Spaghetti (12 ounces)
- Heavy cream (1.5 cups)
- Cajun seasoning (1 tablespoon, plus extra for chicken)
- Minced garlic (3 cloves)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, plus extra for topping)
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup)
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining; set aside. Meanwhile, slice the chicken breasts into strips or cubes, toss with a little olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, and 1/4 of the grated Parmesan.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, leaving any browned bits in the skillet.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Step 4: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the remaining grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust salt and spice levels as needed.
- Step 5: Add the cooked spaghetti and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the spicy Cajun cream sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; remember that the pasta will absorb much of the sauce, so you may need additional liquid when reheating.
- For best results, gently reheat portions in a pan over low heat, stirring in a tablespoon or two of milk or extra chicken broth to restore the sauce’s velvety, creamy texture.
- Since Cajun seasoning blends vary widely in heat, initially add just half the tablespoon to the cream sauce, taste once the Parmesan is melted, and gradually stir in more seasoning until the spice level is perfect for your palate.
- Cut the richness of this decadent dish by serving it alongside a simple, crisp green salad tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 430g)
- Calories: 950
- Sodium: 2100mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 60g