Description
How to make bold smoky Cajun chicken spaghetti with tender chicken, aromatic spices, and creamy sauce that brings Louisiana comfort to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
Cajun Spice Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
Sauce Base
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Combine all Cajun spices in a bowl, then toss chicken pieces until evenly coated. Let sit for 5 minutes while you prep other ingredients – this helps flavors penetrate the meat.
- Cook Pasta: Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining – you might need it later.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even browning.
- Build Aromatics: Remove chicken to plate, add butter to same skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze pan, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream and liquid smoke, simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy looking.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet, add drained pasta and half the Parmesan. Toss everything together, adding pasta water if needed for perfect sauce consistency that coats noodles.
- Finish Serving: Remove from heat, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately topped with remaining Parmesan and sliced green onions for fresh color and mild bite.
Notes
- Don’t skip the liquid smoke – it’s what gives this dish its signature smoky flavor that sets it apart.
- Reserve pasta water before draining as the starch helps bind the sauce to noodles perfectly.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture in every bite.
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end since spice levels can vary between brands.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
- Serve immediately for best texture as the sauce continues to thicken as it cools.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g