Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with a rich, spicy cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. A quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes, featuring a flavorful Cajun seasoning blend and finished with fresh parsley and parmesan for an irresistible dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅔ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Remaining Cajun seasoning (about ½ tablespoon or to taste)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, cover, and keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and gently beat them until even in thickness. Season all over with 1 ½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until they have a golden brown crust. Reduce heat to low and cook until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F (74˚C). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the diced tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine pasta into the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to ensure all the pasta and chicken are well coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the warm reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency. Serve immediately garnished with freshly grated parmesan and finely chopped parsley.
Notes
- Beat chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking and better texture.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on brand and personal spice preference.
- Use a non-reactive skillet like stainless steel or non-stick to avoid reaction with acidic ingredients.
- Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165˚F for safe consumption.
- Parsley adds a fresh finishing touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
