Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with linguine pasta, and enveloped in a rich and creamy garlic tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this hearty pasta recipe balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements to delight your taste buds in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 Tbsp salt (for boiling 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 (about 1/2 tbsp, or to taste)
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Cover to keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts so they are even in thickness. Season all over with 1½ tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear both sides until golden brown. Reduce heat to low and continue to sauté until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F, ensuring they are cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and thoroughly warmed. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved warm pasta water a little at a time to thin it to desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- This dish is quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to the brand you use and your preferred spice level.
- Reserving pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency by thinning it gently without diluting flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165˚F.
- Use a non-reactive skillet (such as stainless steel or non-stick) to avoid unwanted metallic flavors from acidic tomatoes.
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
