Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

By: Rabia

Tender chicken strips tossed in bold Cajun seasoning, paired with silky linguine coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce — this dish is a perfect balance of comfort and spice. A true 30-minute pasta dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for weeknights.

📝 Recipe Card

Servings & Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Yield: 4–5 servings

Dietary Badges
✅ Comfort Food
✅ High-Protein
✅ Family Favorite

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 12 oz linguine pasta

  • 3 tbsp butter

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta → Boil salted water, cook linguine to package directions, drain, and set aside.

  2. Season Chicken → Toss strips with Cajun seasoning.

  3. Cook Chicken → Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned and fully cooked (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

  4. Make Sauce → Reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using). Cook until sauce thickens.

  5. Combine → Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss until well coated in sauce.

  6. Serve → Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Double Cajun seasoning for extra kick.

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoothest sauce.

🌟 Introduction

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta takes everything you love about comfort food — creamy sauce, hearty pasta, juicy chicken — and adds a zesty Cajun twist. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together fast, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep & Season

Coat chicken generously with Cajun seasoning for bold flavor in every bite.

2. Build the Sauce

Garlic, cream, and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to linguine.

3. Bring It All Together

Toss pasta, sauce, and chicken until every strand is coated — creamy, spicy, and irresistible.

💡 Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water — if the sauce thickens too much, a splash will loosen it perfectly.

🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Chicken → Thighs can be used for juicier bites.

  • Pasta → Linguine holds sauce well, but fettuccine or penne also work.

  • Cajun Seasoning → Store-bought is convenient; homemade lets you adjust heat and salt.

  • Cream → Heavy cream creates richness; half-and-half can be used for lighter sauce.

🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas

  • Seafood Cajun Pasta → Swap chicken for shrimp or crawfish.

  • Veggie Boost → Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.

  • Cheesy Upgrade → Mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with garlic bread or a simple side salad.

  • Serve with roasted asparagus or broccoli for balance.

  • Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.

  • Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive sauce.

  • Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh — cream-based sauces may separate when frozen.

⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 540 kcal

  • Protein: 33 g

  • Carbs: 42 g

  • Fat: 28 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes.

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Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes — use coconut cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan.

Q: What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?
A: Asiago or Pecorino Romano give similar salty, nutty flavor.

💬 Personal Note

This is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is secretly weeknight-friendly. I love how the Cajun seasoning cuts through the richness of the sauce, making it bold without being heavy. Every bite feels like comfort with a kick.

Rabia
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