Name: Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Ingredients: 2 Chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon Olive oil; 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste); 1 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste); 1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional); 8 ounces Linguine; 2 tablespoons Butter; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Heavy cream; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water

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Introduction

This Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine is a flavorful fusion of spicy Cajun seasoning and creamy Italian sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances heat and richness with tender chicken and garlicky pasta.

A white plate filled with two main layers: on the left side, a bed of creamy fettuccine pasta coated in a light beige sauce with visible bits of red and orange, sprinkled with chopped green herbs. On the right side, several grilled chicken pieces are arranged closely, showing a crispy, slightly charred texture with a golden brown color, also topped with chopped green herbs. The white marbled surface is barely visible around the plate edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon Olive oil
8 ounces Linguine
2 tablespoons Butter
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 cup Heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
1 teaspoon Black pepper (to taste)
1 pinch Red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub them evenly with the Cajun seasoning.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Boil the linguine in salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
Step 7: Toss the cooked linguine in the creamy sauce until evenly coated.
Step 8: Serve the pasta topped with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce without graininess.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for juicy results.
For extra heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
Substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover pasta and chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and maintain its creamy texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows two main parts on a white plate over a white marbled surface. On one side, there is a creamy fettuccine pasta coated in a pale yellow sauce with green herbs sprinkled throughout, topped with a light layer of grated cheese. On the other side, grilled chicken pieces are arranged in a row, each piece browned with a slightly crispy texture and garnished with finely chopped green herbs. The pasta and chicken sit closely next to each other, creating a contrast in colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any long pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can be used based on your preference without changing the flavor profile much.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes. You can also balance the heat by adding more cream or Parmesan cheese in the sauce.