Description
Turn your dinner into a flavor-packed experience with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Spicy Garlic Cheese Sauce. Perfectly grilled Cajun-seasoned chicken rests on a bed of linguine smothered in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce with a spicy twist. It’s a bold blend of Southern heat and creamy Italian indulgence—ideal for a quick dinner idea, a comforting weekend meal, or when you need new food ideas to wow your guests. Whether you're looking for an easy recipe, dinner ideas, or just something crave-worthy, this dish delivers.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
12 oz linguine
Water with 1 tablespoon salt for boiling pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons cooked and crumbled bacon
Extra parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Let marinate for 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Bring salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Add oil and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until 165°F. Let rest, then slice.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in cream. When slightly thickened, stir in parmesan and mozzarella. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss cooked linguine into the sauce, adding pasta water as needed for consistency. Let sit 1–2 minutes.
7. Plate pasta and top with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with parsley, bacon, and more cheese if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce—pre-shredded won’t melt as well.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—it’s essential for getting that sauce-to-noodle magic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun chicken pasta, easy dinner, spicy garlic cheese sauce