Description
A creamy, cheesy Cajun-inspired spaghetti casserole loaded with tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a bold, comforting sauce—perfect for potlucks, family dinners, and make-ahead baking.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
2 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (360 ml) heavy cream
4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 1/2 cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1) Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water; drain.
2) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
3) In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
4) Sprinkle flour over vegetables; stir 1 minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then whisk in heavy cream. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Stir in lemon juice and cayenne (optional). Taste and adjust seasoning.
5) Add chicken and spaghetti to the skillet; toss to coat. Loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
6) Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread spaghetti mixture into dish. Top with cheddar and mozzarella.
7) Bake 18–22 minutes until bubbly and melted. Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for a more golden top. Rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
For milder flavor, use a mild Cajun seasoning and omit cayenne.
For best texture, don’t overbake—bake just until hot and bubbly.
Make-ahead: assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 5–10 minutes to bake time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes