Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with tender linguine pasta, all enveloped in a rich and creamy Cajun garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
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
- Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Cover and keep warm to prevent drying out.
- Prepare Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are even in thickness for even cooking. Season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp of Cajun seasoning, adjusting based on your preferred spice level and the brand of seasoning used.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until browned on both sides. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Using the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic over medium heat. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the diced tomatoes and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes to soften and enhance flavor.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken strips and cooked linguine into the sauce. Toss everything well until the pasta and chicken are fully coated and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved warm pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, topped with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your heat preference as different brands vary in spiciness.
- Be sure to use a non-reactive skillet (such as stainless steel or non-stick) to prevent any metallic taste when cooking the cream sauce.
- Reserving pasta water is key to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- You can substitute linguine with fettuccine or penne pasta if desired.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
