Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine

Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines bold, smoky Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich and velvety Parmesan pasta. This restaurant-quality meal is surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy date nights. Every bite offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cajun flavors paired with creamy pasta
• Simple, fast, and made with everyday ingredients
• Perfect for weeknights or special occasions
• One pan for the chicken and one pot for the pasta
• Customizable spice level
• Feels gourmet without the fuss
• Satisfying and hearty
• Great for leftovers the next day
• Ready in under an hour
• Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or salad

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Linguine pasta
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

directions

1. Season chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden. Remove and let rest before slicing.
3. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Toss cooked linguine into the sauce until fully coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Slice the Cajun chicken and place over the pasta.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is around 10 minutes, cook time is 25–30 minutes, bringing the total time to approximately 40 minutes.

Variations

• Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken
• Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth
• Swap linguine with fettuccine or penne
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce
• Spice it up with extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes
• Make it dairy-free using coconut cream and vegan cheese
• Top with crispy bacon bits for added texture
• Include a dash of white wine in the sauce for elegance
• Use blackened chicken for an extra smoky flavor

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving the chicken for too long, as it may dry out. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What is Cajun seasoning made of?

It typically includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?

Yes, or make your own blend to control the heat and salt content.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a medium kick, but you can adjust the Cajun seasoning to make it milder or spicier.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but cook the pasta fresh for best results.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer slightly longer or add a touch more cheese. A small cornstarch slurry can also help.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, try half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.

What goes well on the side?

Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables are great choices.

Is fresh Parmesan better than pre-grated?

Yes, it melts more smoothly and adds richer flavor.

How can I make it healthier?

Use less cream, whole wheat pasta, and chicken breast instead of thighs.

Conclusion

Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers restaurant-quality taste in a simple home-cooked format. With spicy seared chicken and indulgent Parmesan sauce coating every strand of pasta, this dish is perfect for both weeknight comfort and entertaining guests. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite pasta recipe.

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