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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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
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
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.
Step 5
Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 8
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.
Step 9
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
| Serving size | (1107.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2619.9 |
| Total Fat 166.5g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 75.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g | |
| Cholesterol 612.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5756.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 121.0g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 11.7g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.8g | |
| Protein 135.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 45.2IU | 0% |
| Calcium 298.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1251.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories