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Easy Cajun Chicken Linguine Parmesan Recipe


  • Author: Jennie Graham
  • 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

Scale
  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season thoroughly with 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning on both sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and slice into strips.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add diced tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and remaining Cajun seasoning. Add Parmesan cheese and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.
  8. Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  9. 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