This Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine is a bold, creamy, and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich butter cream sauce infused with smoky Cajun flavors. Packed with spices, garlic, and Parmesan, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a touch of elegance.
📋 Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into strips
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley , for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente .
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water , then drain the linguine and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat . Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes , turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Butter Cream Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium . In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute , until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes , scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the flavor.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes .
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese , whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt , black pepper , and red pepper flakes (if desired) to taste.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and mix well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water , one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for added richness.
Tips for Success
- Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water—it’s starchy and helps thin the sauce while keeping it creamy.
- Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice tolerance. You can also make your own blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
- Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days . Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine is a flavor-packed dish that’s creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. The smoky Cajun seasoning adds depth to the tender chicken, while the butter cream sauce brings richness and indulgence. Toss it all with perfectly cooked linguine, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is simple enough for any night of the week. Dive into this decadent pasta dish and let it become a staple in your recipe collection!
⏱ Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
🍽 Servings:
4 servings
🔥 Calories (Approximate):
~550 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and optional ingredients)
