Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine

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Introduction

When you want comfort food with attitude, Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine hits the sweet spot. Tender chicken seasoned with smoky Cajun spices meets silky pasta coated in a rich garlic-Parmesan sauce. It feels indulgent, cooks quickly, and tastes like something you’d order at your favorite bistro.

Why Make Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine?

This dish checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, and just a little spicy. The Cajun seasoning delivers warmth and depth, while the garlic and Parmesan create a sauce that clings to every strand of linguine.

It’s also wonderfully practical. Most ingredients are pantry staples, the steps are simple, and the recipe adapts easily to whatever you have on hand. Weeknight dinner, date night, or meal prep — it fits them all.

Ingredients

You’ll need:

• Linguine (or any long pasta)

• Boneless, skinless chicken

• Cajun seasoning

• Olive oil and butter

• Fresh garlic

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Freshly grated Parmesan

• Lemon juice

• Fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper

Together, they create layers of flavor — savory, creamy, and lightly spicy — without being complicated.

How to Make It

Season the chicken generously with Cajun spices, then sear until beautifully golden. Resting the chicken off the heat keeps it juicy.

In the same pan, melt butter and cook the garlic until fragrant. Deglaze with broth, add cream, and let the sauce gently simmer. Parmesan melts in to create that luscious, velvety texture. Toss in the cooked linguine, slice the chicken, and return it to the pan so everything blends together.

A squeeze of lemon and sprinkle of parsley finish the dish with brightness.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook linguine until al dente; save some pasta water.

2. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear chicken in olive oil until cooked through; remove and rest.

4. Melt butter; sauté garlic briefly.

5. Add broth and simmer.

6. Stir in cream and Parmesan; cook until smooth and thickened.

7. Toss pasta with sauce; loosen with pasta water if needed.

8. Slice chicken and return to skillet.

9. Garnish and serve.

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How to Serve

Serve straight from the skillet with extra Parmesan over the top. Great sides include:

• Green salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted broccoli or asparagus

• Warm bread or garlic knots

Leftovers reheat well — the flavors deepen and stay delicious.

Tips for the Best Results

• Fresh Parmesan melts best — skip the pre-shredded.

• Simmer gently so the sauce stays creamy.

• Control the heat level by adjusting Cajun seasoning.

• Use pasta water to make the sauce glossy without extra cream.

• Customize with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes — shrimp, sliced sausage, or even leftover roasted chicken work great.

Can I make it lighter?
Use half cream and half milk, and add a splash more broth if needed.

Does any pasta work?
Definitely — spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all good options.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy garlic sauce, the kick of Cajun spice, and the comforting strands of pasta make a combination that never gets old. Keep this recipe handy — it’s one you’ll come back to again and again.

creamy Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine

This creamy Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine layers tender seared chicken over pasta tossed in a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce. The Cajun spices give the dish bold, savory depth while the cream keeps everything silky and rich. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt & black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley optional

Instructions

 

• Cook linguine according to package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
• Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high; cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side. Remove to rest.
• Add butter to the same pan and sauté garlic 30–45 seconds.
• Stir in broth; simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add cream and Parmesan; cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
• Toss linguine in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed.
• Slice chicken, return to skillet, and finish with lemon juice and parsley.

Notes

Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.

If the sauce gets too thick, loosen with more broth or pasta water.

Reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder version.