Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a bold, flavorful dish that blends spicy seared chicken with a rich, velvety parmesan cream sauce over perfectly cooked linguine. It’s a quick dinner option that feels restaurant-worthy, ideal for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, quick comfort food, or flavor-packed pasta recipes. With smoky Cajun heat balanced by buttery garlic and smooth cream, this easy recipe makes an unforgettable meal you’ll want in your weekly rotation. Great for easy dinners, weeknight meals, or when you’re short on time but big on cravings.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless and skinless
8 oz linguine
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into bite-sized cubes and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
4. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Lower heat and add heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it warm through.
6. Gradually stir in parmesan cheese, mixing until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add drained linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
8. Return cooked chicken to skillet and stir gently to combine everything.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Be careful not to overcook the garlic or it may turn bitter.
Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, quick meals