Description
This creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, al dente linguine, and a rich creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it serves 6 and features a luscious blend of spices, garlic, parmesan, and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Chicken
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta, cover, and keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to even thickness and season all over with 1 1/2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides, then reduce heat to low and sauté until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring gently.
- Combine Cream & Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a simmer and season as needed.
- Toss Pasta and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the sauce. Toss well to combine and warm through. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, garnish with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Avoid using cast iron or copper pans for creamy sauces with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, as they can react and make the sauce grainy.
- If your Cajun seasoning is high in salt, start with 1/2 the seasoning amount and add more gradually to taste.
- Be sure to beat chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Reserved pasta water can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
