Cajun Lemon Chicken Spaghetti
Indulge in the bold, zesty flavors of Cajun Lemon Chicken Spaghetti—a dish that perfectly balances spice and citrus for a dinner bursting with personality! This one-pan wonder combines tender spaghetti coated in a creamy lemon-Parmesan sauce with juicy, golden-seared chicken seasoned with Cajun spices. Fresh garlic, lemon zest, and a touch of heavy cream elevate the sauce to silky perfection, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges for a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Perfect for fans of bold, comforting pasta dishes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet, cover with foil, and let rest.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a smooth consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to reach your desired consistency.
Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the chicken pieces on top and gently mix everything together.
Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish before serving. Serve hot, with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
651 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.2 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.8 g | 94% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 153 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 544 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.4 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 74 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 335 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
