Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is a rich, flavor-packed pasta dinner that brings heat, creaminess, and cheesy goodness together in one pan. Tender chicken pieces are seared with Cajun seasoning, then tossed with spaghetti in a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that has just the right spicy kick. Every forkful is loaded with sauce, chicken, and bold Southern-inspired flavor.

This recipe combines simple ingredients—spaghetti, chicken, cream, Parmesan, Cajun spices, and plenty of garlic—to create a restaurant-style dish that still comes together easily on a weeknight. The Cajun seasoning gives warmth and smokiness, while the Parmesan and cream keep things luscious and comforting.

Perfect for cozy nights, date-night dinners at home, or when you want a pasta dish that feels indulgent and exciting, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce is the kind of meal that has everyone twirling their forks and scraping the plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Cheesy – Parmesan and cream create a rich, silky sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
Bold Cajun Flavor – Cajun seasoning adds warmth, smokiness, and a little heat.
Hearty & Satisfying – Tender chicken and pasta turn this into a complete, filling meal.
Surprisingly Simple – Straightforward steps with big, restaurant-style results.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta:

10 oz (280 g) spaghetti (or other long pasta)
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips
1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to taste)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1–2 tbsp olive oil

For the Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth (or pasta cooking water)
¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1–2 tsp Cajun seasoning (more or less to taste)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon wedge (for a squeeze of brightness, optional)

Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the spaghetti aside.

Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook 4–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside (leave any browned bits in the pan for flavor).

Make the Garlic Cajun Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter.
Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Add Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.

Add Parmesan and Adjust
Turn heat to low and gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning as desired.

Combine Chicken, Spaghetti, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet.
Add the cooked spaghetti and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed.
If needed, add more pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

Serve
Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve hot, with a lemon wedge on the side if you like a touch of brightness.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, 1 of 4)

Calories: ~650
Protein: 38g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts smoother and gives the sauce the best texture and flavor.
Don’t Boil the Cream – Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer so it stays silky and doesn’t split.
Adjust the Heat – Start with less Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, then add more if you want it spicier.
Use Pasta Water Wisely – The starchy water helps loosen and emulsify the sauce so it clings perfectly to the spaghetti.

Why This Recipe Works

Searing Cajun-seasoned chicken builds flavor and creates browned bits in the pan that become the base of the sauce. Garlic, cream, and Parmesan then transform those bits into a rich, velvety sauce that’s both savory and slightly spicy. The Cajun seasoning gives depth, smoky heat, and a touch of color, while the spaghetti absorbs and carries the sauce in every bite.

By finishing the pasta in the skillet with the sauce and chicken, everything comes together as one cohesive, flavor-packed dish. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti in Spicy Cajun Cream Sauce delivers creaminess, heat, and comfort all in one bowl—perfect for when you want something indulgent and full of personality.