why make this recipe
This dish gives you bold Cajun chicken and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. It cooks fast. It fills you up and feels special without hard work. Try it when you want a spicy, creamy pasta that anyone can make.
introduction
This Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine mixes spicy chicken and a creamy garlic sauce with pasta. If you like creamy Cajun pasta, you can also try a creamy Cajun rotini recipe for a change in shape and texture.
how to make Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine
Follow the steps below. Work on the pasta and the chicken at the same time so the meal is ready quickly. For a similar garlic Parmesan finish, you can compare this method to a garlic Parmesan chicken linguine to see small sauce differences.
Ingredients :
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce thickness)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
- Cook the Linguine: Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the Cajun Chicken: Pat chicken dry, then season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Combine Pasta & Chicken: Toss linguine in the sauce until evenly coated. Add Cajun chicken on top or fold it in gently.
- Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a wedge of lemon if desired.
how to serve Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine
Serve hot on plates or family-style in a large bowl. Add a lemon wedge for bright flavor. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for color and taste. Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
how to store Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine
Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze long-term; the cream sauce may separate.
tips to make Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine
- Pat the chicken dry so it browns well.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
- Save pasta water; it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Keep heat medium when you add cream so it does not curdle.
- Taste and add salt last, since Parmesan and chicken broth add saltiness.
variation (if any)
- Make it less spicy: skip the red pepper flakes and reduce Cajun seasoning.
- Add vegetables: bell peppers or spinach work well. Sauté them after the chicken.
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
- Make it lighter: swap half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce butter.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Warm pre-cooked chicken in the skillet after you make the sauce so it heats through.
Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well.
Q: How do I stop the sauce from being too thick?
A: Stir in small amounts of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth until you reach the right thickness.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream and vegan Parmesan, but the texture and taste will change.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It is moderately spicy from Cajun seasoning. Remove red pepper flakes for less heat.
Conclusion
For another take on creamy Cajun chicken pasta, you can read the detailed version at Spicy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta | Cookerru.
Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine
Ingredients
Method
- Boil salted water and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken dry, then season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Simmer 2–3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Toss linguine in the sauce until evenly coated. Add Cajun chicken on top or fold it in gently.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a wedge of lemon if desired.