Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine Recipe

Introduction

This Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine is a perfect blend of bold spices and rich, comforting flavors. The tender Cajun-seasoned chicken paired with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce makes for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 8 ounces Linguine
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste)
• 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and rub evenly with Cajun seasoning.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest, then slice.
3. Step 3: Boil linguine in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
7. Step 7: Toss the cooked linguine in the creamy sauce until fully coated.
8. Step 8: Serve the linguine with sliced Cajun chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with milk.
• Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
• Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken breasts?

Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a great shortcut. Simply slice and add it on top of the linguine right before serving.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the linguine with gluten-free pasta varieties. Be sure to check that the Cajun seasoning does not contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 86 reviews

This Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine is a delightful fusion of bold Cajun-spiced chicken paired with a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce tossed with tender linguine. Perfect for an indulgent weeknight dinner, this dish balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors with the freshness of parsley and a touch of heat from optional red pepper flakes.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Pasta

• 8 ounces Linguine
• 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste)
• 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and rub them evenly with Cajun seasoning to coat all sides for a flavorful crust.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
4. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to desired consistency.
7. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
8. Serve: Plate the creamy linguine and arrange the sliced Cajun chicken on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using, for a touch of heat.

Notes

• Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor results.

Keywords: Cajun chicken linguine, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Cajun chicken recipe, easy skillet dinner