Description
This dish features tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices served over linguine pasta tossed in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken – Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub them generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Don’t be shy here. The seasoning is what gives the chicken its bold, smoky flavor. I always press the seasoning in with my hands to make sure every bit sticks. It creates a beautiful crust when it hits the pan.
- Cook the Chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. The outside should have a deep, flavorful crust. Remove from the pan and let it rest. This step is important because it keeps the chicken juicy. Once rested, slice it into strips.
- Cook the Linguine – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce – In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. The smell alone will make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. It helps create that silky texture that clings perfectly to the linguine.
- Combine Everything – Add the cooked linguine directly into the sauce. Toss gently until every strand is coated. Top with sliced Cajun chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and warm.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 687
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 120mg