This Bold and Cajun Chicken Spaghetti is bursting with flavor! With juicy chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and creamy sauce, it’s a fun twist on a classic dish that everyone will enjoy.
If you love a little kick in your meal, this dish is for you! I swear, the more I make it, the spicier it gets—just like me! 😂 Super easy to whip up, and leftovers are just as awesome.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This classic pasta works great in this dish, but you can swap it out for linguine or fettuccine if you prefer wider noodles. Gluten-free pasta is also a good option if you’re looking to avoid gluten.
Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced chicken breast is ideal for quick cooking, but you can use boneless thighs for more flavor. Tofu or tempeh can work as plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Cajun Seasoning: This seasoning adds the distinct Cajun kick. If you don’t have it on hand, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme can be a good homemade substitute. Adjust the heat level to your liking!
Heavy Cream: To reduce calories, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream. Regular milk can work too, though the sauce may be less creamy.
Bell Peppers: Feel free to mix and match colors! Yellow or orange bell peppers can add sweetness and can be used instead of green and red ones.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Getting that chicken just right is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-high heat. Preheating the skillet helps the chicken sear nicely.
- Slice the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly. Too thick, and you risk having it undercooked or dry.
- Cook in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Once browned (5-7 minutes), remove it from the pan. This keeps it juicy!
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken in no time, ready to mix in with that creamy pasta! Enjoy cooking! 🍽️
Bold And Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 ounces spaghetti
- For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and veggies, and then about 20 minutes bringing everything together and letting the flavors merge. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Begin by boiling a pot of water. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain it well and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, making sure to coat it well. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies have softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, followed by the diced tomatoes and smoked paprika. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken a bit, which should take around 5 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained spaghetti. Toss everything until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and evenly mixed.
6. Final Seasoning:
Give your dish a taste and season it with salt and black pepper to your liking. If you want a spicy kick, feel free to add some sliced jalapeños.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well mixed and heated, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the burst of Cajun flavors!
This recipe results in a flavorful, creamy pasta dish that packs a punch. Enjoy your Bold and Cajun Chicken Spaghetti!
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can substitute it with linguine, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re looking for an alternative.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
You can use a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream or cashew cream. Just make sure to choose a chicken broth that is also dairy-free to keep the entire dish compliant!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance! Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat the sauce gently when you’re ready to serve, and add the spaghetti and chicken before serving.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens while stored.
