Description
A creamy Cajun chicken spaghetti made lighter with wholesome ingredients. This comforting pasta delivers bold flavor, tender chicken, and a rich yet balanced sauce perfect for healthy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 250g whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or light cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Optional: spinach or kale
- Optional: chili flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook seasoned chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
4. Add bell pepper and zucchini and cook until slightly tender.
5. Stir in tomato paste, smoked paprika, and oregano.
6. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for a few minutes.
7. Reduce heat and stir in Greek yogurt or light cream until smooth.
8. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until melted.
9. Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
10. Add drained spaghetti and toss to coat in sauce.
11. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
12. Cook together for 2–3 minutes, adjust seasoning, and serve warm with parsley.
Notes
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for variation.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning for desired spice level.
- Use whole grain or legume pasta for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg