Description
Spicy meets creamy in this Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine—a comforting and flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in under 40 minutes. Tender Cajun-spiced chicken is seared to perfection, then served over linguine drenched in a velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a weeknight comfort meal, or new pasta dinner ideas, this easy recipe hits the spot. It’s bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to be a hit for anyone who loves spicy chicken recipes, easy pasta dishes, or creamy garlic sauces.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces linguine
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with Cajun seasoning. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Set aside.
3. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.
7. Toss drained pasta into the sauce and cook for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Plate pasta and top with seared chicken.
9. Garnish with parsley and shredded cheddar if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce—it melts way better than pre-shredded.
Don’t skip resting the chicken after searing—it helps the juices redistribute and keeps it tender.
For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be thinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: spicy chicken pasta, creamy linguine, easy dinner, weeknight pasta, comfort food