Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Bold Cajun spice and creamy Parmesan come together in this irresistible chicken pasta dish.
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Season the Chicken: Mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss chicken strips in the blend to coat evenly.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Boil the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil linguine in salted water as directed on the package. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.
Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer the Cream Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan, then add heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked linguine in the skillet with the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt until smooth and creamy. Use a splash of pasta water if needed.
Finish and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet and toss to combine. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~620 per serving
Servings: 4