Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining tender chicken breasts with al dente linguine tossed in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, garlic, diced tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. This comforting dish is finished with fresh parsley and offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
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
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Remaining cajun seasoning to taste
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta, cover, and keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Beat chicken breasts to an even thickness and season all over with 1½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden. Reduce heat to low and sauté until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, slice thinly, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Make Sauce: Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream. Add remaining Cajun seasoning to taste along with 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add sliced chicken and cooked linguine into the creamy sauce. Toss gently to combine and heat everything through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved warm pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknight dinners, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference and brand used.
- Using a non-reactive skillet (like stainless steel) prevents sauce discoloration or off-flavors when cooking acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- The dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 214 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
