This Bold and Cajun Chicken Spaghetti dish brings a wonderful kick to your dinner. With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a zesty sauce, it’s sure to please!
The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder! I love that it saves me from a mountain of dishes afterward. Plus, it’s fun to see everyone enjoying that spicy flavor! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice here for quick cooking. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works well and saves some steps!
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend adds a kick of flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano for a homemade version.
Spaghetti: While I used regular spaghetti, feel free to swap it for fettuccine, penne, or even a gluten-free pasta if needed. Choose what you enjoy!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk. These will change the flavor a bit, but they still work well!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. If you don’t have it, try pecorino or a dairy-free cheese for a vegan twist.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Getting your chicken just right is important for a great dish! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with even-sized chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning before cooking for better flavor.
- Use medium-high heat to get that golden sear without drying it out.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reads 165°F.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices. This step makes a big difference!
With these tips, your chicken will be juicy and delicious, perfect for this flavorful spaghetti dish!
Bold And Cajun Chicken Spaghetti
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, divided
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti pasta
For the Veggies:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with lots of flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts generously with half of the Cajun seasoning. This helps boost flavor in every bite!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate while slicing it into strips.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the sliced onions and both bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
5. Add Flavorings:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, the rest of the Cajun seasoning, as well as a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
6. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly for about 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
7. Mix in the Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, rich texture.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.
9. Add the Chicken:
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently nestle the pieces into the spaghetti and sauce so they warm up.
10. Final Touches:
Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let all the flavors meld together perfectly.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and flavorful Bold and Cajun Chicken Spaghetti hot!
Can I Substitute the Chicken for Another Protein?
Yes, you can! If you prefer, use shrimp or even sausage for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. If using shrimp, about 2-3 minutes per side should do the trick!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for a mix of veggies such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a flavorful and hearty meal.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Dish?
To control the heat, simply adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Cajun seasoning. For a milder version, reduce these spices, or if you love spice, feel free to increase them as desired. You can also serve with a bit of hot sauce on the side for those who want an extra kick.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
