Description
Savor the fiery embrace of Cajun heat blended with decadent Garlic Parmesan cream! Perfectly seared chicken strips meet al dente spaghetti. Full instructions & nutrition included. (160 characters)
Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 1 pound
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large, sliced into 1-inch strips
- Heavy cream: 1.5 cups
- Cajun seasoning (low sodium preferred): 2 tablespoons, divided
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, plus extra for garnish
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 1/2 cup
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken until fully cooked and browned, then remove the chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for about 60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken strips to the cream sauce. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring the chicken is fully warmed through. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or seasoning as needed.
- Step 5: Drain the spaghetti and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss vigorously until every strand is coated in the spicy Cajun cream sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- To keep leftovers tasting fresh, store the creamy spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3 days, adding a splash of milk or broth before sealing to help maintain moisture.
- For the best texture, reheat individual portions slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently; avoid high heat or aggressive microwaving, which can cause the cream sauce to split.
- Balance the richness of the spicy cream sauce by serving this decadent pasta alongside a bright, crisp side salad dressed with a light lemon vinaigrette.
- A key flavor tip is to ensure you scrape up all the browned bits (fond) from the chicken searing into the sauce when you add the chicken broth; these flavorful caramelizations are essential for deep savory notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 695
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Protein: 4g