Description
Turn up the heat and dive into flavor with this Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine — a bold, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken is seared to perfection and served over linguine tossed in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s one of the best quick dinner ideas for anyone who craves a mix of spice and comfort. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner recipe, easy weeknight meal, or new food ideas to elevate your rotation, this one brings it all together. Creamy, spicy, and ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
8 ounces linguine
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and coat both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add parmesan gradually, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
7. Toss cooked linguine into the sauce, letting it absorb the flavor. Simmer for 1 more minute.
8. Slice the rested chicken and place over the pasta. Spoon extra sauce on top if desired.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan to ensure a creamy, non-grainy sauce.
Always reserve pasta water—it helps bring the sauce and pasta together smoothly.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain its juices and prevent it from drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of total)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: spicy pasta, cajun chicken pasta, creamy linguine, easy dinner, chicken pasta recipe