Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine
A bold and comforting pasta dish made with Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and tender linguine—perfect for a cozy dinner with a spicy twist.
Calories:
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning plus more to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving ½ cup of the pasta water. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, tossing well to coat. For bolder flavor, marinate with a splash of olive oil for 20–30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Add the chicken and linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Loosen with a bit of pasta water if needed. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.