Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, tossed with linguine in a creamy garlic and tomato sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, delivering a deliciously satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided, or to taste depending on 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
Garnish
- 2 Tbsp parsley (finely chopped, to serve)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cover and keep warm to maintain texture for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, adjusting based on your preferred spice level.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot, add the chicken and sear both sides until browned. Lower heat to low and continue sautéing until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked but still juicy. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and slice into thin strips. Cover to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add diced tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine into the sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved warm pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken pasta, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- This recipe is quick and perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty and flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning to fit your preferred spice level; different brands have varying heat intensities.
- Using a non-reactive skillet like stainless steel or enamel-coated helps prevent metallic flavors when cooking acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
- Reserving some pasta water allows you to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring a creamy but smooth texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative, keeping in mind it may affect richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 214 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
