Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- 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.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- 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
