Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of Louisiana spice in your life? You know, something that's both comforting and exciting? This creamy cajun chicken linguine recipe is a total flavour bomb.

It's a dish where tender chicken meets a rich, spicy cream sauce.

Brief Overview

This creamy cajun chicken linguine is inspired by Louisiana cuisine. Think creamy, spicy, and totally delicious. It's not authentic, but it's Cajun-inspired.

The dish is medium difficulty. You'll need about 45 minutes to whip it up, and it serves about 4 people.

Perfect for a midweek meal.

Main Benefits

This recipe is special because it's a real mood booster. It has a kick from the cajun seasoning and a lovely creamy sauce.

Plus, chicken is a good source of protein. It's a great way to sneak in some extra protein while enjoying a seriously satisfying meal.

Serve it any day of the week! This weeknight chicken pasta dinner is sure to become a new favourite.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30g) Cajun seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon (5g) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3g) smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons, 10g)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 lb (454g) linguine pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
• Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add butter to the skillet. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Add the cooked chicken back to the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650-750

Fat:30-40g

Fiber:3-5g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Cajun

What makes this recipe proper tasty

This creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe offers a Louisiana-inspired flavour that is so good. I love the way the cajun sauce for chicken clings to the linguine.

I can't lie, once I messed up the spice level. But now I have it down to a fine art.

It's all about balancing that heat with the creaminess.

Easy Cajun Chicken Linguine

This isn't your typical pasta dish. We're talking juicy chicken in creamy sauce , perfectly cooked linguine, and a whole lot of flavour.

It’s proper good. This is a step up from your bog-standard spag bol. I even tried a one-pot cajun chicken linguine version once.

It was alright, but the flavours developed better in the original recipe.

Spice It Up: A Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This recipe is versatile. You can make it your own. Feel free to adjust the spice to your taste. Don't be afraid to add a bit more red pepper flakes.

Or even a splash of your favourite hot sauce. This louisiana chicken pasta is like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all cozy inside.

I'm excited to share this with you and know that you'll enjoy this delicious and creamy linguine!

Ingredients & Equipment for Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Alright, let's get this show on the road. We are gonna discuss about what you need to create this creamy cajun chicken linguine dish! This isn't just a meal, it's a full on Cajun Chicken Dinner Recipes fiesta in your mouth.

I promise!

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Here's the shopping list. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you can grab at any supermarket. Trust me, your trip to the shops will be quick!

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for chicken that's pink and plump – no weird smells, alright?
• Linguine Pasta: 1 lb (454g) .
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). Extra virgin is best, but any olive oil will do.
• Cajun Seasoning: 2 tablespoons (30g). Cajun Chicken Seasoning is key.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
• Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, but don't be shy with the salt.
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon (15g).
• Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g).
• Green Bell Pepper: 1, chopped (about 1 cup, 150g).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (about 2 teaspoons, 10g).
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste). This is where the Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta begins!
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml).
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml). Honestly, this makes it extra rich and lovely.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (60ml) grated, plus more for serving. Freshly grated? Yes, please!
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped, for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: It’s All About the Vibe

This is Chicken In Creamy Sauce at it's finest! The Cajun seasoning is the star. You can even whip it up at home if you fancy it.

Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth, but feel free to swap for regular if that's all you got. A dash of hot sauce can kick it up a notch too for that perfect Cajun Sauce For Chicken .

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid

No need for fancy gadgets here.

• Large pot for the pasta.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven. A One-Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine dream, almost.
• Cutting board and a decent knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Tongs or spatula.

Honestly, this Easy Cajun Chicken Linguine recipe is a game changer. It's one of my go-to Weeknight Chicken Pasta Dinner options.

Quick, easy, and seriously satisfying. It brings a little bit of that Louisiana Chicken Pasta magic right into your kitchen.

Enjoy making it, and tuck in!

Cooking Method: Nailing That Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Alright, so you're craving some creamy cajun chicken linguine ? You've come to the right place. Honestly, this is one of my go-to weeknight meals.

It's got a bit of a kick, it's creamy, and it's seriously satisfying. Think of it as a taste of Louisiana right in your kitchen.

Plus, there's pasta. What's not to love? Let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Gettin' Your Ducks in a Row

First things first: mise en place. Fancy, right? It just means getting everything prepped and ready to go. Chop your onion and bell pepper.

Cube your chicken. Measure out your spices. It’ll save you a headache later.

Time-saving tip : Prep all your veggies while the pasta water is heating up. Efficiency, innit? And a quick safety reminder: always use a sharp knife. Blunt knives are actually more dangerous.

Step-by-Step: Bringing the Cajun Heat

Here's how to make creamy cajun chicken linguine step-by-step:

1. Get your pasta going. Cook 1 lb linguine al dente. Don't forget to save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water!
2. Season those chicken cubes! In a bowl, mix 1.5 lbs chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil , 2 tbsp cajun seasoning , garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's cooked through (165° F/ 74° C ). Take it out when done and set aside.
4. Melt 1 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add your chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened. Then, throw in the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for about a minute until you can smell that garlic goodness.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, and cook until slightly reduced.
6. Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese . Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Season as required.
7. Add the chicken back to the sauce and the cooked pasta. Toss it all together. Boom! Serve it up with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Linguine

Want to take your spicy cajun chicken pasta to the next level? Here's a few things I've learned.

First, don't overcook the chicken! It'll be dry and sad. Use that thermometer! Second, that reserved pasta water is liquid gold. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta like a dream.

Lastly, go easy on the salt until the end. Cajun seasoning can be salty enough. Enjoy your weeknight chicken pasta dinner ! I think you'll love my version of Louisiana Chicken Pasta .

Recipe Notes: Bits and Bobs You Need to Know!

Right, so you're about to make this creamy cajun chicken linguine , yeah? Ace choice! But before you get stuck in, here are a few things I’ve learned while making this beaut of a dish.

Consider these your cheat sheet to Louisiana Chicken Pasta perfection. I made so many versions of Cajun Chicken Dinner Recipes to get it just right and hope this gives you a head start.

Serving Suggestions: Getting Your Grub On

Plating this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple. Heap that spicy cajun chicken pasta high in a bowl. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. A little extra Parmesan never hurt nobody, right?

For sides, garlic bread is a classic. You can’t go wrong there. I also love a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Balances the richness perfectly! A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade? Perfect! And if you're feeling super fancy, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would be smashing!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Listen up. If you have any leftovers – unlikely, but still – store the one-pot cajun chicken linguine in an airtight container in the fridge.

It’ll keep for 3-4 days . Honestly though, it's best eaten fresh.

Freezing isn’t ideal because the cream sauce can sometimes get a bit grainy. However, if you must, let it cool completely before freezing.

Thaw it fully in the fridge overnight. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help restore the creamy texture.

Reheat gently on the hob. Don’t nuke it. Low and slow is the key.

Variations: Make It Your Own, Mate

Okay, so you want to mix things up? I get it! If you’re looking for some Cajun Chicken Seasoning ideas, I got you covered.

For a lighter version (a.k.a diet adaptation), try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I also make the Cajun sauce for chicken with greek yogurt sometimes, it is yummy as well, but use it sparingly.

Swap out the chicken for shrimp or crawfish to get closer to that Cajun chicken dinner recipes . Mushrooms, zucchini, or peppers? Also a total winner! Especially for those of you looking for Vegetarian inspiration.

If you need this to be an Easy Cajun Chicken Linguine , swap the chicken breasts for chicken tenders that will cook faster.

Nutrition Basics: The Lowdown

Alright, so it’s pasta and creamy sauce. We all know it’s not exactly a salad, yeah? But hey, everything in moderation, right? This creamy chicken pasta has a decent amount of protein from the chicken.

Plus, you're getting some carbs from the pasta. However, its comforting.

This dish is also a great weeknight chicken pasta dinner . And don’t even get me started on the taste! It’s totally worth it.

Honestly, this Chicken in Creamy Sauce is a guaranteed hit. Give it a go, and don't be scared to make it your own! You got this!