Tender chicken strips tossed in bold Cajun seasoning, paired with silky linguine coated in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce — this dish is a perfect balance of comfort and spice. A true 30-minute pasta dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for weeknights.
📝 Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings
Dietary Badges
✅ Comfort Food
✅ High-Protein
✅ Family Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta → Boil salted water, cook linguine to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Season Chicken → Toss strips with Cajun seasoning.
- Cook Chicken → Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken until browned and fully cooked (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce → Reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper (if using). Cook until sauce thickens.
- Combine → Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss until well coated in sauce.
- Serve → Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Double Cajun seasoning for extra kick.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoothest sauce.
🌟 Introduction
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta takes everything you love about comfort food — creamy sauce, hearty pasta, juicy chicken — and adds a zesty Cajun twist. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but comes together fast, making it perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress with minimal effort.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Season
Coat chicken generously with Cajun seasoning for bold flavor in every bite.
2. Build the Sauce
Garlic, cream, and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to linguine.
3. Bring It All Together
Toss pasta, sauce, and chicken until every strand is coated — creamy, spicy, and irresistible.
💡 Tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water — if the sauce thickens too much, a splash will loosen it perfectly.
🧾 Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Chicken → Thighs can be used for juicier bites.
- Pasta → Linguine holds sauce well, but fettuccine or penne also work.
- Cajun Seasoning → Store-bought is convenient; homemade lets you adjust heat and salt.
- Cream → Heavy cream creates richness; half-and-half can be used for lighter sauce.
🍽 Variations & Serving Ideas
- Seafood Cajun Pasta → Swap chicken for shrimp or crawfish.
- Veggie Boost → Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Cheesy Upgrade → Mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
- Serve with roasted asparagus or broccoli for balance.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Warm on stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive sauce.
- Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh — cream-based sauces may separate when frozen.
⚖️ Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 33 g
- Carbs: 42 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes — use coconut cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan.
Q: What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Parmesan?
A: Asiago or Pecorino Romano give similar salty, nutty flavor.
💬 Personal Note
This is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is secretly weeknight-friendly. I love how the Cajun seasoning cuts through the richness of the sauce, making it bold without being heavy. Every bite feels like comfort with a kick.
