Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, tossed with linguine pasta in a rich and creamy tomato and parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Units
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 (adjust to taste depending on brand)
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 linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cover and keep warm.
- Prepare the chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season both sides with 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. This ensures even cooking and flavor throughout.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown. Reduce heat to low and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F on a thermometer. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to develop flavor.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss pasta and chicken with sauce: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and finely chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Avoid using cast iron or copper pans for this recipe as the acidic tomatoes can react with the metal and cause the sauce to become grainy.
- If your Cajun seasoning is very salty, start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste to avoid over-salting the dish.
