Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, linguine pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste depending on the 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
To Serve
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Cover and keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning to ensure an even, flavorful coating.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden on both sides. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165ËšF and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add 2/3 cup diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften and blend flavors.
- Make Sauce: Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream and add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Adjust seasoning if needed to balance flavors.
- Combine & Warm Through: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- The amount of Cajun seasoning can be adjusted to taste depending on your preference and the spiciness of the seasoning blend.
- Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
- Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick and helps it cling to the pasta better.
- This dish can be prepared ahead — cook chicken and pasta separately, then combine with sauce when ready to serve.
