Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine Recipe
This Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts served over linguine tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce. The dish combines the boldness of Cajun spices with the smoothness of a buttery, cheesy sauce, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 Chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Pasta
- 8 ounces Linguine
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then evenly rub them with Cajun seasoning to coat both sides thoroughly. This step infuses the chicken with bold flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well so each strand is coated with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta topped with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired for a touch of heat and color.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually when adjusting sauce consistency to avoid thinning it too much.
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning level to your taste for more or less heat.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Keywords: Cajun chicken linguine, garlic parmesan pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Cajun chicken recipe, easy dinner, skillet pasta
