Garlic Parmesan Chicken Spaghetti (Printable Version)

Tender chicken, Parmesan, and creamy Cajun sauce combine with spaghetti for a flavorful, hearty meal.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Protein

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

→ Pasta

02 - 12 oz spaghetti

→ Fats and Oils

03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 4 tbsp salted butter, divided

→ Aromatics and Seasonings

05 - 5 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
07 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
10 - ½ tsp Italian seasoning
11 - ½ tsp dried basil
12 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Cheeses

13 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crusting chicken)
14 - 1½ cups heavy cream
15 - ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella
17 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
18 - ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)
19 - 2 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Garnish

20 - Fresh chopped parsley

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until just al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
02 - Pat chicken dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press grated Parmesan onto chicken strips to form a crust.
03 - Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping until golden and cooked through.
04 - Add 1 tablespoon butter and half the minced garlic to skillet during the last minute of cooking. Stir until garlic is fragrant and coated in butter. Remove chicken and set aside.
05 - Add remaining butter and garlic to the same skillet; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Gradually incorporate mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses.
07 - Season sauce with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened and rich.
08 - Add cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss with tongs to thoroughly coat pasta. Let sit over low heat for one minute to absorb flavors.
09 - Plate the cheesy spaghetti and top with Parmesan-crusted chicken strips. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Using freshly grated Parmesan for crusting the chicken enhances flavor and creates a crispy texture.

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