Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way Cajun spices cling to a juicy, pan-seared chicken breast. Paired with a bed of creamy garlic parmesan linguine, this dish brings the kind of bold, crave-worthy flavor that turns a simple dinner into something unforgettable.

The creaminess of the pasta perfectly balances the heat from the Cajun chicken, while a hint of garlic and parmesan adds comforting richness. Whether you’re serving it for date night or simply craving a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-level indulgence right from your own kitchen.

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What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

For the most flavor-packed result, use a homemade blend or a high-quality store-bought Cajun seasoning that includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme. Look for one with a good balance of heat and savory depth, or adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less cayenne.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Chicken Breast
This is the main protein and takes on all the bold Cajun flavor when seared just right. Make sure it’s sliced evenly for even cooking.

Cajun Seasoning
The hero of the spice blend. Adds smoky heat and southern soul to the dish. Coat the chicken generously.

Olive Oil + Butter
Used to sear the chicken and make the sauce rich and silky.

Heavy Cream
The base of the garlic parmesan sauce. It gives the linguine its luscious texture.

Fresh Garlic
A must for that bold garlic kick. Minced and sautéed until fragrant.

Parmesan Cheese
Melts into the cream for a smooth, nutty sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Linguine Pasta
Flat noodles hold the creamy sauce well, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Parsley
Adds a pop of freshness and color to finish the dish.

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How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt a bit more butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan and let it melt into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce for a creamier consistency.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Slice the rested Cajun chicken into strips and lay over the creamy pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan, if desired.

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How to Serve and Store This Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Serve the chicken over a generous bed of creamy linguine while everything is still hot and fresh. A sprinkle of parsley and an extra dash of parmesan gives it that final touch of flair. Pair with a light salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep the chicken tender.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun chicken?

The heat depends on your Cajun seasoning. You can easily tone it down by reducing cayenne or choosing a mild blend.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well with this sauce. Use what you love or have on hand.

Can I substitute the cream?

You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate separately. Assemble and reheat just before serving.

What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

Shrimp or tofu make great alternatives if you want to skip the chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Do I need to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—about 1/2 teaspoon per clove.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this spicy Cajun chicken with garlic parmesan linguine, check out these other cozy favorites:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine
• One Pot Creamy Spicy Cajun Chicken Sausage Mac
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
• One Pot Honey Garlic BBQ Chicken Pasta

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you make it extra spicy? Add mushrooms or spinach to the pasta? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s make every dish better together.

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