When you crave something spicy, creamy, and satisfying, Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce hits every note. This recipe combines blackened Cajun-seasoned chicken with a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce and tender linguine noodles to create a restaurant-quality meal in under 40 minutes.
It’s bold, rich, and full of flavor — perfect for weeknight comfort food, entertaining guests, or meal prepping with flair.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (4 thin cutlets)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Pasta
- 10 ounces linguine pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan
- A dash of hot sauce
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add linguine and cook until al dente. Drain, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cajun Chicken
- Rub chicken cutlets with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden.
- Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss cooked linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Add sliced Cajun chicken on top and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- Serve with a glass of chilled Chardonnay or iced tea to balance the spice.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 of 4) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 635 |
| Protein | 39 grams |
| Total Fat | 35 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 18 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 42 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugars | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 690 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- Chicken breast provides lean, high-quality protein.
- Garlic and Cajun spices offer flavor depth without added sugar.
- Parmesan cheese contributes calcium and umami richness.
- Heavy cream and olive oil create a satisfying, creamy texture ideal for low-carb adaptations.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth, non-gritty sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken — it should be juicy and tender inside.
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
- For extra heat, increase Cajun seasoning or add a dash of cayenne.
Variations to Try
- Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a Cajun seafood version.
- Use penne or fettuccine instead of linguine.
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and color.
Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a flavorful fusion of heat and richness — a perfect way to elevate pasta night. With its velvety sauce, boldly seasoned chicken, and satisfying noodles, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite for anyone who enjoys a little spice with their comfort food.