Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender linguine pasta tossed in a rich, creamy cajun garlic sauce with juicy, seasoned chicken breasts. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish combines the perfect balance of spices, creaminess, and fresh parsley for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning (divided, or to taste)
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
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta, cover it, and keep warm.
- Prepare the chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until nicely browned. Reduce heat to low and continue to sauté until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, over medium heat, sauté 2 Tbsp unsalted butter and minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the 2/3 cup diced tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Create creamy cajun sauce: Stir in 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, add the remaining cajun seasoning to taste, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and season to taste if needed.
- Toss pasta and chicken in sauce: Add the sliced chicken strips and cooked linguine to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved warm pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Serve garnished: Plate the creamy cajun chicken pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- This dish is perfect for quick and easy weeknight dinners, ready in just 30 minutes.
- The amount of cajun seasoning can be adjusted depending on your preferred spice level and the brand used.
- Using a non-reactive skillet (such as stainless steel or non-stick) prevents the sauce from discoloring or reacting.
- Reserving pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick after combining.
- For extra freshness, garnish with more parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
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
