Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine 🍝🔥 – A Bold and Comforting Weeknight Favorite

Craving something creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying? This Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine delivers on all fronts. Tender strips of boldly seasoned Cajun chicken sit atop a bed of rich, velvety Parmesan linguine, creating a comforting meal with just the right kick. It’s the perfect balance of spice and creaminess—and comes together in just 30 minutes.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent without the fuss. Whether you’re serving it up for guests or just spoiling yourself, every bite feels like a restaurant-quality experience made right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients 🛒

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions 👨‍🍳

Prep the chicken: In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken strips thoroughly with the spice mixture.
Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Cook the pasta: Boil linguine in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving a little pasta water in case your sauce needs thinning.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Bring it all together: Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and mix until well combined.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

Quick Recipe Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Flavor & Texture Highlights

Spicy & bold: Cajun seasoning brings a warm, zesty kick to the tender chicken.
Rich & creamy: The Parmesan sauce is velvety, cheesy, and clings beautifully to the linguine.
Balanced: The spice of the chicken contrasts perfectly with the smooth, garlicky cream sauce.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente linguine gives the best texture in creamy sauces.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts more smoothly and adds richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Lighten it up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use milk with a little cream cheese for a lighter sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta? Yes—fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work great.

What’s the best substitute for Cajun seasoning? A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme makes a great homemade version.

Can I make this ahead? It’s best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Is this recipe spicy? Mild to medium. Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken? Absolutely! Cajun shrimp makes a delicious protein swap—just cook for 2–3 minutes per side and follow the same steps.

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Conclusion: A Flavor Bomb of Comfort in Every Bite 🍽️🔥

This Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is a dream dish for pasta and spice lovers alike. With bold Cajun-seasoned chicken and a creamy, garlicky cheese sauce clinging to tender linguine, it’s the kind of dinner that satisfies every craving. Make it once, and it just might earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation!