Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine: The Bold Pasta Dish That Has It All
When it comes to weeknight dinners that deliver bold flavor and indulgent comfort, Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is unbeatable. It’s everything you want on a plate—spicy seared chicken, silky parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly tender linguine—all coming together in one satisfying, restaurant-worthy dish.
Whether you’re spicing up your dinner routine or hosting guests, this pasta recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why I Love This Recipe
This dish hits every note—heat, richness, garlic, cheese, and carbs. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky, peppery edge, while the creamy parmesan sauce wraps everything in cozy comfort. It’s the kind of pasta that feels special but is secretly super simple to make.
Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, using mostly pantry staples. One skillet, one pot, one epic meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought works great, or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs.
- Linguine: Fettuccine or penne work as well if you want a shape with more bite.
- Cream Sub: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or add cream cheese for a thicker finish.
- Add Veggies: Sauté spinach or sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce for an extra layer of flavor and color.
How to Make Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Season the Chicken:
Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits to infuse flavor. - Add Cream and Cheese:
Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce slightly thickens. - Combine Pasta:
Add cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. - Serve:
Top pasta with Cajun chicken strips. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Tips for Success
- Use Thin Chicken Strips: They cook faster and evenly sear without drying out.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Add it after the butter melts and sauté quickly—just until fragrant.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: A gentle simmer ensures the cream doesn’t curdle or reduce too quickly.
- Salt the Pasta Water: This is your chance to flavor the pasta itself.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Round out this dish with something fresh, fun, or a little indulgent:
- Pair it with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo for a Southern-inspired dinner duo.
- Kick things off with Beer Cheese Dip and breadsticks or pretzels.
- Serve a side of Sheet Pan Quesadillas if feeding a group or making a spread.
- Sip on Blueberry Lemonade to cool off the heat from the Cajun spice.
- Finish the meal with Old-School No-Bake Cookies for a nostalgic and easy dessert.
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Not Ideal for Freezing: Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, so enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Here are more bold, comforting, and easy meals from the kitchen:
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Old-School No-Bake Cookies
Final Thoughts
This Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine is the ultimate dinner for when you want a little spice and a lot of comfort. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday, but special enough to impress friends and family.
Try it out and tag @chefmaniac with your creamy Cajun creations! And don’t forget to follow for more flavor-packed recipes that make dinner something to look forward to.
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