Name: Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water (as needed); Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, lemon zest for garnish

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Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine is the kind of bold, comforting meal I love making when I want something rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. The spicy, seared Cajun chicken brings heat and depth, while the creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce wraps around every strand of linguine for a dish that’s indulgent but totally doable on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it brings together bold spices and creamy comfort in every bite. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky kick to the juicy chicken, and the garlic Parmesan sauce is smooth, cheesy, and just garlicky enough. It’s a one-pan kind of dinner that feels fancy without being fussy—perfect for family meals or casual dinner guests.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Linguine pasta
Butter
Garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Chicken broth (or reserved pasta water)
Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley, lemon zest for garnish

Directions

I season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides.
I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Then I set it aside to rest.
While the chicken cooks, I boil a pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package instructions. I reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant—about 1 minute.
I stir in heavy cream and bring it to a low simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. I thin the sauce with a splash of pasta water or chicken broth if needed.
I toss the cooked linguine into the sauce and coat it evenly.
I slice the cooked Cajun chicken and serve it over the pasta, garnishing with parsley, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest if I’m using them.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes roughly 35 minutes to prepare. It’s great for a weeknight dinner when I want something comforting but still flavorful and fresh.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor and texture. If I want to lighten it up, I swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use less Parmesan. I’ve also tried it with shrimp instead of chicken, and it’s just as good.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or broth and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the sauce smooth. I don’t freeze this dish since cream-based sauces can separate.

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes, I just use less Cajun seasoning or pick a mild version. I also skip the red pepper flakes if I want to tone it down.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Linguine works great, but I’ve also used fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Any pasta that holds sauce well will work here.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Sure, I slice or shred cooked chicken and heat it in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. I sometimes use a mix of milk and a little cream to lighten it up.

What’s a good side dish with this?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies. Garlic bread is great too for scooping up the extra sauce.

Conclusion

Savory Cajun Chicken and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Linguine is one of those comforting dishes that always feels like a treat. I love how it balances creamy richness with bold Cajun spice, and how easy it is to throw together with pantry staples. Whether I’m cooking for family or just making a special dinner at home, this pasta always delivers big flavor with minimal effort.