Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breasts, al dente linguine, and a rich, flavorful Cajun cream sauce, making it a perfect hearty and comforting meal ready in just 35 minutes. The dish balances spicy Cajun seasoning with creamy Parmesan-infused sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a delightful dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 to 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
Garnish
- 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta to use later if needed for thinning the sauce.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and slice thinly.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the remaining Cajun seasoning (about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon). Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Heat through for another minute.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with finely chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh Cajun seasoning or adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- For richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding cream.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
