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Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan
Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one incredible dish. This restaurant-quality meal takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special. The bold Cajun spices complement the rich Parmesan cream sauce beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for quick weeknight dinners
- Restaurant-quality flavors with simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- Customizable spice level lets you adjust the heat to suit your family’s preferences
- One-pan cooking method means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal
- Creamy Parmesan sauce perfectly balances the bold Cajun seasonings for incredible flavor
Why This Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan Recipe Works
The secret lies in building layers of flavor. Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and maximum spice absorption. Using the same pan for everything creates a rich, flavorful base.
The combination of butter and garlic forms an aromatic foundation. Fresh tomatoes add brightness that cuts through the richness. Heavy cream and Parmesan create luxurious texture without overwhelming the Cajun spices.
Reserving pasta water proves crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. This starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to every strand of linguine.
What You’ll Need for Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ⅔ cup diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Tools
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Non-reactive skillet (stainless steel or enameled cast iron)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Instant-read thermometer
- Tongs for tossing pasta
How to Make Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
| Step 1: | Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season thoroughly with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning on both sides. |
| Step 2: | Heat olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden. |
| Step 3: | Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and slice into strips. |
| Step 4: | In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-60 seconds until fragrant. |
| Step 5: | Add diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors. |
| Step 6: | Pour in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Add Parmesan cheese and bring mixture to a gentle simmer. |
| Step 7: | Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. |
| Step 8: | Add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water – its starch content helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce
- Choose a non-reactive pan to prevent metallic flavors when cooking with tomatoes and cream
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually – different brands vary significantly in salt and heat levels
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain maximum moisture
Serving and Storage Tips for Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan
Serving Tips
Serve immediately while the sauce remains creamy and hot. Garnish each plate with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. A side of garlic bread complements the dish perfectly.
For special occasions, add colorful bell peppers or mushrooms. A crisp green salad provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Consider serving in warmed bowls to maintain temperature.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s original consistency. Avoid microwaving on high power, which can separate the sauce.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan
Overcooking the chicken creates dry, tough meat. Use a thermometer and remove from heat at exactly 165°F. The residual heat will finish cooking while resting.
Adding cold cream to hot ingredients causes curdling. Let cream reach room temperature first. Stirring constantly while adding prevents separation.
Using pre-shredded Parmesan often results in grainy sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and delivers superior flavor. Avoid high heat after adding cheese.
You Must Know
- Different Cajun seasoning brands vary widely – start with less and adjust to taste preferences
- Non-reactive pans like stainless steel prevent metallic flavors when cooking acidic ingredients
- Fresh pasta water must be reserved before draining – it’s impossible to recreate later
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, preventing sauce separation and ensuring even cooking
Suggestions for Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan
Transform this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Sauté them after removing the chicken for extra flavor depth. Try different pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne for variety.
For lighter versions, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end adds tanginess while reducing calories. Explore more chicken recipes for additional dinner inspiration.
Experiment with protein alternatives like shrimp or turkey. Our shrimp pasta guide offers seafood preparation tips. Professional chefs suggest adding andouille for authentic Louisiana flavor.
FAQs:
While best served fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook and slice chicken, then refrigerate. Prepare sauce ingredients but combine just before serving for optimal texture.
Half-and-half works well for a lighter version. Coconut cream provides dairy-free richness. Avoid milk alone as it may curdle with the acidic tomatoes.
Spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning brand. Start with less and adjust to taste. Most versions deliver mild to moderate heat that cream helps balance.
Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly. Add it during the final tossing stage to prevent overcooking. Season the sauce more generously since pre-cooked chicken won’t absorb spices.
Garlic bread soaks up extra sauce beautifully. Caesar salad provides crisp contrast. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add nutritional balance to this rich dish.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. This versatile recipe adapts easily to dietary preferences and ingredient availability. Master the basic technique, then make it your own with creative variations.
Remember to taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking. Complete your meal with our dessert suggestions. With practice, this crowd-pleasing dish becomes a reliable weeknight favorite your family will request again and again.
More Easy Lunch Recipes:
- Ultimate Chicken Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
- Best Loaded Chicken Potato Recipe – Easy & Delicious
- Irresistible Sticky Beef Noodles with Deep Asian Flair
- Quick 30-Minute Crustless Pizza Bowls
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This restaurant-quality Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan combines tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in just 30 minutes. Bold Cajun spices complement the rich cream sauce beautifully.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- ⅔ cup diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season thoroughly with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden.
- Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Pour in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Add Parmesan cheese and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Add reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and optimal juiciness
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water – its starch content helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce
- Choose a non-reactive pan to prevent metallic flavors when cooking with tomatoes and cream
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually – different brands vary significantly in salt and heat levels
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to retain maximum moisture
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: cajun pasta recipe, chicken linguine alfredo, spicy chicken pasta, creamy cajun chicken, parmesan pasta dinner, quick weeknight pasta, southern chicken linguine
