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
Scale
- 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