Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine

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This dish is where spice meets indulgence. Imagine tender Cajun-seasoned chicken bites, seared to perfection and finished with a buttery glaze, served alongside a bed of creamy garlic parmesan linguine. It’s a bold dinner combination that’s both soul-warming and satisfyingly decadent.

Perfect for weeknight cravings or hosting a dinner with flair, this recipe brings that irresistible restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen. The contrast between spicy and creamy keeps every bite exciting, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or intimate date nights at home.

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What Makes Cajun Chicken So Flavorful?

The magic is in the Cajun seasoning. A medley of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme gives the chicken its signature kick. When the spices hit a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, they create a crispy, golden crust that locks in all the juicy flavor.

This spice blend doesn’t just bring heat—it brings depth. Pairing it with a rich, cheesy pasta sauce creates a deliciously addictive balance of smoky and creamy.

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Ingredients for the Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Chicken Breasts
Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best for uniform cooking and bite-sized cuts that sear beautifully in the skillet.

Cajun Seasoning
The backbone of the recipe. You can use store-bought or make your own to control the spice level.

Butter and Olive Oil
The combination allows high-heat searing while adding richness to the chicken and the final glaze.

Fresh Garlic
For both the chicken and pasta sauce. Its sharp bite mellows into sweet savoriness when sautéed in butter.

Heavy Cream
Forms the luxurious base of the parmesan sauce, making the pasta irresistibly smooth.

Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated is best for maximum melt and flavor.

Linguine Pasta
Flat and wide enough to hold onto the creamy sauce. Fettuccine or tagliatelle could also work.

Parsley
Chopped parsley adds a final note of freshness and a pop of color.

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How To Make the Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Pat them dry, then generously coat with Cajun seasoning until each piece is well-covered.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a combination of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides. The exterior should be crispy while the inside stays juicy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Linguine

In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add more butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Gradually whisk in parmesan until melted and the sauce thickens. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Garnish

Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it over the creamy noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or extra cheese.

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How to Serve and Store Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine

This dish is best served hot and fresh. Plate the creamy linguine first, topping it with a generous scoop of Cajun chicken and a final touch of chopped parsley or parmesan. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.

To store leftovers, let the pasta and chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While linguine holds the sauce beautifully, you can also use fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti depending on your pantry stock.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a milder blend or reduce the amount used on the chicken.

Can I substitute the chicken with shrimp?

Yes! Cajun shrimp is a fantastic alternative. Just reduce the cooking time since shrimp cook much faster than chicken.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If your sauce feels thin, continue simmering it on low heat while whisking in more parmesan until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can this be made dairy-free?

You can swap the cream and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives. Coconut cream and nutritional yeast make great subs, though the taste will vary.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and spices wonderfully.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Cajun chicken linguine combo, here are some more creamy and comforting pasta dishes you’ll want to try next:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

Looking for even more meal inspiration? Check out my daily recipe posts on Pinterest: Life with Nina

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with chicken, or try it with shrimp or another twist? Did you go extra cheesy or extra spicy?

I love seeing how you personalize these meals. Questions are always welcome too—let’s keep the creativity (and flavor) flowing!

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