Mom's Cajun Spaghetti

Spice up your dinner routine with "Mom's Cajun Spaghetti," a bold and flavorful twist on a classic pasta dish. This hearty recipe combines tender boneless chicken thighs, smoky andouille sausage, and the Cajun holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes. A touch of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese adds a luscious creaminess, perfectly coating the al dente spaghetti. Ready in under an hour, this dish brings a taste of Louisiana to your table with every bite. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley, for a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both comforting and irresistibly vibrant. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers who crave a bit of Southern flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz andouille sausage
• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the andouille sausage into rounds and cook until browned and crispy on the edges, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Season the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sear the chicken thighs on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 7

Return the sausage and chicken thighs to the skillet. Lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Step 8

Remove the chicken thighs and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet.

Step 9

Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 10

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2671.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3235.3

Total Fat 200.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 753.2mg	0%
Sodium 8426.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 181.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.3g	0%
Total Sugars 37.3g
Protein 178.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 889.8mg	0%
Iron 21.9mg	0%
Potassium 4399.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.7%

Protein: 22.0%

Carbs: 22.4%