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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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