Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, linguine pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, tomatoes, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers a delightful balance of spice and creaminess, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra for seasoning taste)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- â…” cup diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. Cover the pasta to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning evenly to infuse flavor.
- 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 chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden brown. Reduce the heat to low and sauté the chicken until fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a cutting board. Slice into thin strips and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Make Sauce: Pour in 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream, then add the remaining Cajun seasoning according to your taste preference. Stir in ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are fully coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan and finely chopped parsley.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference and the specific brand used.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserving pasta water helps to thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- If you don’t have diced tomatoes, canned or fresh finely chopped tomatoes can be used.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ËšF for safe consumption.
