🔥 Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine in Butter Cream Sauce
Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly comforting – this pasta dish is a flavor-packed showstopper!
If you’re craving something bold and indulgent, this Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine is your perfect weeknight hero. Juicy strips of Cajun-spiced chicken meet a luxuriously creamy butter-Parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly al dente linguine. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a spicy Southern twist.
Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night or feeding a hungry family, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, comfort, and wow-factor!
🍗 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- Reserved ½ cup pasta water
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and sear for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Butter Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Combine Everything
Add the drained linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the cooked chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan on top. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade 🍋
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies
- Great for leftovers — just reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth
📝 Final Thoughts
This Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine is the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and satisfying. It’s perfect for pasta lovers who want a bit of spice in their life! Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to recipe when you want something bold and creamy on the dinner table.
