There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the bold, smoky heat of Cajun spices meets the rich, creamy texture of a luxurious sauce. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and kick, making it ideal for both cozy weeknight dinners and impressing guests at your next gathering. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a velvety sauce with a zesty kick—this dish has it all.
For years, Cajun-inspired dishes have held a special place in Southern kitchens, known for their ability to pack layers of flavor with a little spice. This pasta takes that essence and wraps it in the comforting, creamy goodness that will make you want to dive in for just one more bite. Whether you’re a spice lover or just craving something indulgent with a bit of a punch, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a sauce that’s both decadent and comforting.
- Spicy Kick: The Cajun seasoning brings the heat, while the creamy sauce tames the spice just enough to be perfect.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is simple and accessible, but the flavors are anything but ordinary.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz (225g) linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which should take about 8-9 minutes. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta—this will help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with 1½ teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then stir in the diced tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the remaining ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing the pasta to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a gentle toss to mix. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce coat the pasta more evenly.
6. Serve
Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon. For a spicier version, add extra seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add Vegetables: To make this dish even heartier, add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. They’ll complement the sauce and bring some added texture.
- Serve with Bread: Don’t forget the bread! A piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce at the end of the meal.
- Chicken Variations: You can easily substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- This recipe works well with other types of pasta, like fettuccine or penne, if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 32g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, as the sauce tends to thicken as it sits. However, you can make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have linguine?
Any long pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne would work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze the pasta and sauce together for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cajun chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this creamy Cajun chicken pasta, check out these other savory dishes:
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of heat and comfort—rich, creamy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting. Whether you’re serving it for a quick family dinner or for a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the flavors come to life in your kitchen. Bon appétit!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A Spicy, Comforting Delight!
Description
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the bold, smoky heat of Cajun spices meets the rich, creamy texture of a luxurious sauce. This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of comfort and kick, making it ideal for both cozy weeknight dinners and impressing guests at your next gathering. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a velvety sauce with a zesty kick—this dish has it all.
For years, Cajun-inspired dishes have held a special place in Southern kitchens, known for their ability to pack layers of flavor with a little spice. This pasta takes that essence and wraps it in the comforting, creamy goodness that will make you want to dive in for just one more bite. Whether you’re a spice lover or just craving something indulgent with a bit of a punch, this dish is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) linguine pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package directions until al dente, which should take about 8-9 minutes. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta—this will help loosen the sauce later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Take the chicken breasts and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness—this helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides generously with 1½ teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Then stir in the diced tomatoes, cooking for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the remaining ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing the pasta to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the sliced chicken on top and give everything a gentle toss to mix. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce coat the pasta more evenly.
6. Serve
Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- This recipe works well with other types of pasta, like fettuccine or penne, if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
