Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delightful and hearty dish that brings a taste of the South right to your dinner table. The blend of spices in the Cajun seasoning mixed with creamy sauce and tender chicken creates a comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of Cajun spices and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce makes for a delicious meal that will impress your family or guests. It’s also a bite of comfort food that warms you up and satisfies your cravings.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Ingredients:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6–7 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and set aside.
Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water in case your sauce needs thinning later.
Make the Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the sauce begin to thicken.
Add Pasta and Cheese: Toss the drained linguine into the skillet and mix to coat in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a silky, cheesy coating. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Finish with Chicken: Return the chicken strips to the skillet and stir everything together so the spicy chicken blends with the creamy pasta.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot for a bold, comforting dinner with a Cajun kick.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Serve your Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine hot, garnished with fresh parsley. You can pair it with a side of garlic bread for a fuller meal or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

To store leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine, place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your taste preference.
For extra flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.

Variation

Instead of chicken, you can try using shrimp or sausage for a different twist on this dish. The cooking time will vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While linguine works great, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.

Q: Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
A: You can use half-and-half or low-fat cream in place of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the chicken with mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.