Description
A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken served over linguine pasta in a rich Parmesan sauce. This dish is perfect for a satisfying dinner that combines smoky Cajun seasoning with the richness of cream and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels, then season generously with the spice mixture. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and gently toss to combine. Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine!
Notes
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- For added flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the dish.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 95mg