Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, spicy cream sauce and perfectly cooked linguine. Easy to prepare in about 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a delightful kick of Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 to 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for seasoning the chicken)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 to 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (to add to sauce)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (for serving)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and slice thinly once slightly cooled.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Make Creamy Cajun Sauce: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream, stir to combine. Add 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning (or to taste) and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and the cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Chicken and Pasta in Sauce: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet along with the drained linguine pasta. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through for 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta and garnish with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less creamy.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- If you like a little extra freshness, add a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free linguine pasta.
