Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Get ready to dive into a plate of bold, creamy, and downright delicious comfort food. This Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the perfect balance of spice and richness. Tender, juicy chicken coated in Cajun seasoning sits on a bed of velvety, garlicky Parmesan pasta—each bite a dreamy mix of smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of heat. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together super quickly, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
This dish is a true crowd-pleaser and offers so much flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s an instant favorite:
Bold Flavor: Cajun seasoning on the chicken gives it a smoky, spicy kick, while the creamy Parmesan sauce balances it out beautifully.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights when you want something indulgent but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Comforting: It’s everything you love about a creamy pasta dish, but with an exciting twist from the Cajun chicken.
Crowd-Pleasing: With that creamy, cheesy pasta and spicy chicken, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. It’s always nice when one dish pleases everyone!
Ingredients in Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
This dish is packed with flavor from simple ingredients that come together in the best way:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, seasoned with Cajun spice to give it a bold, smoky flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: The perfect spice blend to add a little heat and a ton of flavor.
Linguine: This long pasta is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: For that rich, velvety sauce that makes the pasta irresistible.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding richness and depth.
Garlic: For that aromatic, savory base that makes the sauce pop.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
Salt & Pepper: To season everything to perfection.
Instructions
Let’s walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering dish:
Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them generously with Cajun seasoning. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the creamy Parmesan sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top, and give everything one last toss to combine.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the pasta hot, with a little extra Parmesan on top, and maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of color and heat.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600–650 (depending on portion size)
Prep & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal:
- Garlic Bread: For a comforting, buttery side that’s perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus are fantastic options to add some greenery to the meal.
- Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy pasta and spicy chicken.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make it spicier: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or sauce.
- Add veggies: Throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, they work beautifully in this dish and will add even more juiciness.
- Leftovers: This dish holds up well for a day or two in the fridge, and the sauce thickens even more, making the leftovers extra comforting.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! While linguine is great, you can use fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti.
2. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce may be slightly thinner and less rich.
3. Can I make this without Cajun seasoning?
You can, but it won’t have the same smoky, spicy flavor. You could try using paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper as a substitute.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and then reheat with the sauce.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add the pre-cooked chicken to the sauce when it’s ready to heat through.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove.
7. Can I freeze this dish?
While the pasta and sauce can freeze, the creaminess may change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
8. Can I use shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds a creamier texture.
9. Can I add more spice?
If you love extra heat, add more Cajun seasoning or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
10. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and use mushrooms or another protein like tofu for a vegetarian version.
CONCLUSION
Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the perfect dish to add some bold flavors to your weeknight dinner rotation. The creamy, cheesy pasta is a comforting base for the spicy, juicy chicken, making it an irresistible meal that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Give it a try, and let this flavorful dish become a new favorite in your kitchen!
PrintCajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Cajun Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a rich, flavorful dish featuring juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken served over creamy, garlicky linguine pasta with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese. A perfect blend of spice and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss until well coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the Cajun chicken and serve on top of the creamy linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
