Cajun Chicken Parmesan Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Preparation

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
02 - 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting chicken)

→ Pasta and Sauce

07 - 340 grams (12 oz) spaghetti
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 4 tablespoons salted butter, divided
10 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1½ cups heavy cream
12 - 180 millilitres (¾ cup) low-sodium chicken broth
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
16 - 56 grams (2 oz) cream cheese, softened
17 - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
18 - ½ teaspoon dried basil
19 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

20 - Fresh chopped parsley, to serve

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
02 - Pat chicken slices dry. Season thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press grated Parmesan onto chicken pieces to form an even coating.
03 - Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the coated chicken slices for 4–6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden and cooked through.
04 - In the last minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon butter and half the garlic to the skillet. Stir until fragrant. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
05 - Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Sauté remaining garlic for 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Add softened cream cheese and whisk until fully melted. Gradually incorporate mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
08 - Add cooked spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss until well coated. Let sit over low heat for 1 minute to absorb flavors.
09 - Plate the creamy spaghetti and top with prepared Parmesan-crusted chicken strips. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley.

# Notes:

01 - Allow cream cheese to fully soften to ensure a silky smooth sauce.
02 - Do not overcook pasta; maintaining al dente texture is essential for the perfect dish.
03 - For added flavor and color, incorporate sliced bell peppers or mushrooms into the sauce.
04 - Increase Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra spice if desired.

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