Description
Craving a meal that’s both creamy and spicy with restaurant-level flavor? Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine brings the heat and the comfort in one delicious pan. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken rests on a bed of garlicky, cheesy linguine that’s luxuriously smooth. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for those looking for bold dinner ideas, quick weeknight meals, or creamy pasta with a kick. Ideal for comfort food cravings, impressive date nights, or simply spicing up your dinner routine, this one checks every box for flavor, texture, and simplicity.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 oz linguine pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ cup reserved pasta water
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Drain, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, and toss pasta with a little olive oil.
3. In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and rest.
4. In the same skillet, lower heat and add butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute. Pour in cream and simmer gently.
5. Whisk in Parmesan until sauce is smooth. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Add linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Slice chicken and layer on top of the pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
8. Serve hot and enjoy the bold flavor combination!
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking—it keeps it juicy.
If the sauce is too thick, pasta water works like magic to loosen it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 155
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, spicy dinner ideas, creamy linguine, garlic Parmesan pasta, weeknight comfort food