🔥 Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine
Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken served over silky garlic Parmesan linguine — it’s bold, creamy, and packed with irresistible flavor.
🕒 Total Time: ~40 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
🌶️ Heat Level: Medium (adjust Cajun seasoning to taste)
✅ Ingredients:
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine:
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2️⃣ Sear the Cajun Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts generously on both sides with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp ~165°F / 74°C).
- Remove chicken, cover loosely with foil, and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Pan Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return to the pan, spooning sauce over top. Simmer 1–2 minutes more.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In a clean pan or pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let simmer 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- Toss in the cooked linguine and stir to coat evenly.
5️⃣ Plate and Garnish:
- Twirl linguine into bowls or plates.
- Top with sliced Cajun chicken and drizzle with the pan sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan.
💥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy + spicy = flavor perfection
- Feels like restaurant pasta but easy enough for weeknight dinners
- Customizable — use shrimp or sausage for a twist!
📌 Pro Tip: Want extra kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the chicken or pasta sauce!
