Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine That Brings the Heat & Comfort

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and comforting textures. It brings the heat from Cajun spices, making it a great choice for spice lovers. The creamy sauce and tender chicken complement the linguine to create a delightful meal. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz linguine
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
7. Add the cooked linguine and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. You can add extra grated Parmesan on top for those who love cheese. A side salad or garlic bread pairs nicely with the meal, making for a complete dinner experience.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Just add a splash of extra cream or broth to keep it creamy.

Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

• Make sure to season the chicken well with Cajun spices for maximum flavor.
• Don’t skip on sautéing the garlic; it adds a lovely aroma to the dish.
• If you want it spicier, consider adding cayenne pepper or a touch of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms can easily be tossed in during the cooking process. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, you can easily substitute shrimp for chicken. Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink, which will take about 3–4 minutes.

2. What can I use instead of linguine?
If you don’t have linguine, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

3. Is this dish very spicy?
The level of heat can be adjusted by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. Feel free to start with less and add more to suit your taste.