Spicy Cajun Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine in Under 40 Minutes
Craving a restaurant-worthy meal without the restaurant prices or the hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this incredible recipe for Spicy Cajun chicken garlic parmesan linguine. This dish delivers a powerful punch of flavor, combining tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce that coats every strand of linguine. It’s a surprisingly easy and quick meal to prepare, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend feast.
Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Garlic Parmesan Linguine
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly flavorful. The bold Cajun spices bring a pleasant heat and complexity to the chicken, while the creamy garlic parmesan sauce is rich, comforting, and utterly addictive. Second, it’s fast. You can have this meal on the table in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spice level or swap out the chicken for shrimp or steak. And if you love the creamy elements of this dish, you might also enjoy this creamy cilantro jalapeno lime sauce on other recipes!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, consider using firm tofu, pressed and cubed.
- Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons. Use a store-bought blend or make your own. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Used for searing the chicken. You can substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
- Linguine Pasta: 1 pound. Other pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne will also work well.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons. Adds richness to the sauce. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Creates the creamy base for the sauce. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adds freshness and a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Chicken Broth: 1/4 cup. Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Garlic Parmesan Linguine
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chicken broth if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t burn the garlic. Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully.
- Reserve pasta water. The starchy pasta water helps to thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. If you prefer a milder dish, use less Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a different take on pasta, check out this chili garlic noodles recipe from Fork Haven!
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun chicken garlic parmesan linguine is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the pasta. Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, would also be a delicious addition.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Cajun chicken garlic parmesan linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
FAQ
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While the dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them with the cooked pasta just before serving.
- Can I freeze this recipe? Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the pasta may become mushy.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? While Parmesan cheese is the classic choice, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.
This Spicy Cajun chicken garlic parmesan linguine is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its bold flavors, creamy texture, and quick preparation time, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal!
Spicy Cajun Chicken with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine in Under 40 Minutes
This mouthwatering dish combines the bold flavors of Cajun-spiced chicken with the comforting richness of creamy garlic parmesan linguine. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a vibrant blend of Cajun seasonings, pan-seared to perfection, and then served atop a bed of perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a decadent garlic parmesan sauce. This recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion. Prepare for an explosion of flavor in every bite as the spicy chicken and creamy pasta create a harmonious balance. This is comfort food elevated! It’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality food in the comfort of your home with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This is a truly satisfying and unforgettable meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chicken broth if needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce. You can also use shrimp or steak instead of chicken. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared/Boiled
- Cuisine: American/Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg