Description
Craving a bold, satisfying dinner with a creamy kick? **Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Spicy Garlic Cheese Sauce** is your answer. This easy dinner recipe brings together juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tender linguine, and a rich, spicy garlic cheese sauce—all ready in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, weeknight indulgence, or comforting food ideas, this creamy pasta dish checks every box. It’s perfect for fans of spicy food, cheese lovers, or anyone who enjoys a cozy, homemade meal packed with flavor. Try this delicious twist on classic Alfredo with Cajun heat!
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
10 oz linguine pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
0.25 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then sear chicken on medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Set aside.
3. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 0.5 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic and diced bell pepper for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add red pepper flakes, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Gradually whisk in parmesan and mozzarella until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
8. Season sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Add drained linguine to sauce and toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
10. Plate pasta, top with seared Cajun chicken, and garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese to ensure a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth sauce.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps the sauce coat the noodles perfectly.
Keep the chicken tender by avoiding overcooking. Cook just until golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: <0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken, spicy pasta, cheese sauce, quick meals