Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine with Parmesan Sauce
Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine with Parmesan Sauce is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken tossed in a luscious garlic butter and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of bold Cajun spices, rich creaminess, and tender linguine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta used)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Pasta
- 8 ounces linguine pasta
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into even, thin strips for quick, even cooking. Season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Linguine: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet used for the chicken. Once melted, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta fully and distribute the chicken evenly. Heat through for 1-2 minutes and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and brightness. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine with Parmesan Sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- Do not overcook the chicken to maintain juiciness; avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Reserve pasta water to help thin the sauce and improve sauce adherence.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh to ensure smooth melting; pre-grated cheese may clump.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning gradually to suit your preferred spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: Cajun, Garlic Butter Chicken, Linguine, Parmesan Sauce, Creamy Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Weeknight Dinner
