Cajun Chicken & Creamy Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Cajun Chicken & Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful pasta dish that combines spicy seared chicken with a rich, cheesy cream sauce tossed with tender linguine. A comforting meal with a kick, perfect for those who love a blend of Southern spices and Italian creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning to create a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
- Cook the Linguine: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Serve: Plate the pasta with the creamy sauce and top with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred level of spice.
- For extra veggies, sauté bell peppers or spinach with the garlic.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer aiming for 165°F internal temperature for juicy results.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for better melting and improved flavor.
- To increase heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
- If using pre-cooked chicken, warm it briefly in the sauce instead of searing.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy linguine, parmesan pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick dinner
