Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender, spicy chicken with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings perfectly to linguine. It’s a comforting dish with just the right amount of heat, ideal for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning (divided, or to taste)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta, cover, and keep warm.
2. Step 2: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season all over with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.
3. Step 3: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides until browned. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the chicken reaches 165˚F internally. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Add some reserved pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Serve topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• Use a digital thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing tomatoes for extra veggies.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning carefully; different brands vary in spiciness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni. Just cook the pasta according to its package instructions.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a little butter for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich and creamy.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 145 reviews

• Author: lina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, tossed with linguine pasta in a rich and creamy tomato-infused sauce. This dish balances a spicy kick with a smooth, cheesy finish, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz linguine pasta
• 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
• 2 tsp olive oil

Sauce

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
• 1½ cup heavy whipping cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Remaining Cajun seasoning to taste

To Serve

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
• Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Cover the drained pasta to keep warm.
2. Prepare the chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season all over with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This ensures the chicken has a consistent spicy flavor.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and sear both sides until golden brown. Lower the heat to low and continue sautéing until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice thinly, and cover to keep warm.
4. Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Create the creamy sauce: Pour in 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to combine. Adjust seasoning as desired.
6. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together vigorously until well combined and warmed through. Add some reserved pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce for your preferred consistency.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Be mindful of the Cajun seasoning brand used, as saltiness and spice levels vary; adjust seasoning accordingly.
• To evenly cook the chicken, pounding it to an even thickness is essential.
• Use a non-reactive skillet to avoid unwanted metallic flavors, especially with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
• Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting and thinning the sauce without diluting flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a light cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun chicken recipe, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, linguine pasta recipe