Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, combined with linguine pasta and enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato and parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that brings a touch of Louisiana-inspired zest to your table.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust 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
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cover and keep it warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season both sides generously with 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until browned, then reduce heat to low. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes to soften.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour in 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream and add the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste. Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing gently until everything is well coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved warm pasta water a little at a time to thin it. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Avoid using cast iron or copper pans when preparing creamy tomato-based sauces as they can react with acidic ingredients and cause the sauce to become grainy.
- If your Cajun seasoning blend is high in salt, start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste to avoid over-salting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
