Description
This bold and creamy dinner brings together tender, spice-kissed Cajun chicken and luscious garlic parmesan linguine in one dish. Balanced perfectly between heat and richness, it’s a crowd-favorite for everything from cozy nights in to impressive dinner dates. Easy enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for guests.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for chicken)
3 cloves garlic minced (for both chicken and sauce)
8 ounces linguine pasta
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sauce)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
2 tablespoons parsley chopped (for garnish)
Salt to taste
Optional: extra parmesan and Cajun seasoning for serving
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks and pat dry. Season generously with Cajun seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
3. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Gradually whisk in parmesan until fully melted and sauce thickens.
7. Add drained linguine and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
8. Return cooked chicken to the pan and stir gently to combine.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan or seasoning if desired.
10. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Add pasta water gradually—start with 2 tablespoons and increase as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy linguine, garlic parmesan pasta