I still remember the first time I made this Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce—it was one of those “what do I have in the fridge” nights that turned into something truly magical. The blend of bold Cajun spice, juicy seared chicken, and a silky garlic mozzarella sauce clinging to every strand of spaghetti was a flavor bomb I didn’t expect. Since then, it’s become my go-to when I want something indulgent but not too fussy.

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What makes this dish so special for me is the balance of comfort and spice. The Cajun-seasoned chicken brings smoky heat, but it’s mellowed beautifully by the creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s one of those meals that fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and gets everyone excited for dinner before they even sit down. If you’re a fan of big flavor and creamy pasta, you’re in for a treat.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Big, bold flavors – The Cajun spice rub adds deep smoky flavor to the chicken without overwhelming the dish.
Ultra creamy sauce – Thanks to mozzarella, garlic, and cream, the sauce is rich and velvety.
Perfect for weeknights or weekends – It’s fancy enough to impress guests but easy enough to throw together midweek.
Customizable – Whether you like it spicier, cheesier, or lighter, there’s room to play.
A complete comfort meal – Protein, carbs, fat, and FLAVOR… it’s all here.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti?

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and develop that gorgeous crust when seared in a hot skillet with Cajun seasoning. That said, boneless chicken thighs are also an excellent option—they’re juicier and can handle high heat well. If you’re in a rush, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can work in a pinch, just season it well and toss it in at the end to soak up the flavors of the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tailor it to suit your pantry or dietary preferences:

Spaghetti: Swap with fettuccine, linguine, or even penne if you want a chunkier bite.
Mozzarella: If you’re out, try provolone or fontina for a similar creamy melt.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or whole milk with a touch of cream cheese can work in a lighter version.
Garlic: Fresh is best, but garlic powder will still do the trick in a hurry.
Cajun Seasoning: You can make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme if store-bought isn’t available.
Chicken: Vegetarian? Use sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower as a hearty replacement.

This dish is rich and flavorful enough to adapt, and no one at the table will even notice the swaps if done right.

Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These are the stars of the dish—lean, quick to cook, and perfect for soaking up all the smoky Cajun spices.
Cajun seasoning
Adds a punchy blend of smoky, spicy, and earthy flavors that brings the chicken to life.
Spaghetti
The ideal pasta to hold onto that silky garlic-mozzarella sauce without becoming too heavy.
Garlic cloves (minced)
Essential for infusing the cream sauce with a savory depth that complements both the cheese and chicken.
Heavy cream
The rich, creamy base that ties the sauce together and gives it that luscious, velvety texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese
This adds stretch, melt, and a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the spice of the chicken.
Butter
Used for cooking the garlic and adding richness to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
Olive oil
Helps sear the chicken and lock in the seasoning while creating those irresistible golden edges.
Parsley (chopped)
A fresh, green finish to balance the richness and brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Salt and black pepper
To season the chicken and bring out all the other flavors in the dish.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, letting it melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 4: Slice the Chicken

Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. Resting keeps the juices locked in and prevents dry meat.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat every strand. Add the sliced chicken on top or gently fold it into the pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the pasta hot, preferably in a shallow bowl to catch all that creamy sauce. Optionally, top with extra mozzarella or a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a little extra flair.

How Long to Cook the Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

From start to finish, you’ll need about 30–35 minutes to bring this dish together:

Chicken: 10–12 minutes (depending on thickness)
Pasta: 8–10 minutes (while the chicken cooks)
Sauce: 5–7 minutes
Assembly & final touches: 5 minutes

It’s a quick meal that feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian-American bistro—without the wait.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Pound your chicken for even thickness so it cooks uniformly and quickly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken—it needs space for that golden crust to form.
Use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded; it melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce texture at the end. It makes a big difference!
Simmer, don’t boil the cream sauce—boiling can cause it to split or get too thick.
Rest the chicken before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Depending on your Cajun blend, you may want more salt or spice.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the chicken: Cajun spice can darken quickly, so don’t confuse char with doneness. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—165°F is the sweet spot.
Boiling the cream sauce too hard: High heat can cause it to break. Keep it at a gentle simmer for that perfect velvety consistency.
Using pre-shredded cheese: It often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded mozzarella is key.
Not seasoning the pasta water: The pasta needs salted water to develop flavor. Bland pasta = bland bite.
Skipping the pasta water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce texture without diluting flavor.
Overcooking the spaghetti: Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed into the warm sauce and doesn’t go mushy.
Not resting the chicken: Cutting into it too soon lets all the juices run out, leaving dry slices.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and a bit of tang cut through the richness of the dish beautifully.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, smoky corn is a great side to echo the Cajun flavors.

Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus

A simple green veggie helps lighten up the plate and adds some contrast in texture.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and acidic, it balances the creaminess of the pasta without overwhelming it.

A glass of chilled white wine

Something like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce and spice.

Sparkling Lemon Water

For a non-alcoholic option, this keeps the palate refreshed between rich bites.

Pickled Vegetables

A tangy crunch on the side adds a fun, unexpected balance to the meal.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezer: While cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this for up to 1 month. Just know the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, but stovetop is best for texture.

Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 4 servings)

Calories: ~680 kcal
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg

Please note, these values are rough estimates and can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can easily make your own! Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. It won’t be exact, but it’ll be flavorful.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a warm kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting the Cajun seasoning or using a milder blend.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning to make sure it’s gluten-free.

Will this work with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes! Shrimp is fantastic with Cajun spice and cooks in just a few minutes. Sear them quickly and toss them into the finished sauce and pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can try half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of cream cheese to help thicken it up.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely. Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes would complement the dish well.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Use some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up if it thickens too much after combining everything.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is one of those dinners that feels indulgent but comes together with surprising ease. With its smoky-spiced chicken, rich and cheesy garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s comfort food with a kick. Whether you’re feeding the family, impressing dinner guests, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this dish delivers every single time.

So grab a skillet, fire up the stovetop, and make some magic—your tastebuds will thank you.