Description

If you’re craving bold, comforting food ideas that taste like they came from a restaurant kitchen, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is your next must-make dinner idea. It’s the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory, starring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken nestled over tender linguine tossed in a velvety parmesan cream sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, easy recipe for a date night, or just new dinner ideas to break out of a boring food routine, this dish delivers. It’s bold, rich, and made in under an hour — ideal for weeknights or weekends alike.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

0.5 tsp onion powder

0.5 tsp black pepper

0.5 tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic minced

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

0.5 lemon juiced

12 oz linguine pasta

2 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic minced

1.5 cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

0.25 tsp ground nutmeg

0.25 cup reserved pasta water

Salt and pepper to taste

Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, season cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add butter and sear chicken in a single layer for 4–5 minutes per side. Add garlic in the last minute. Remove and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In a separate pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add cream, whisking continuously.

5. Simmer gently, then stir in parmesan cheese. Whisk until melted and smooth. Add nutmeg if using, and season to taste.

6. Add linguine to sauce and toss to coat. Use pasta water to loosen if needed.

7. Top with Cajun chicken, garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon. Serve hot.

Notes

Always use freshly grated parmesan to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.

Don’t overcook the chicken — pull it once it hits 165°F internally.

Keep the cream sauce on a low simmer to prevent curdling or separation.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stove-top
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1¼ cups pasta + chicken)
Calories: 720
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 165mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cajun dinner, linguine recipe, easy recipe, dinner ideas, quick dinner