Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
A delightful dish combining bold Cajun flavors with a rich creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice preference
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter For the sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream For the creamy sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add for flavor and thickness
- 12 oz linguine pasta Can substitute with other pasta types
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Optional, for garnish and brightness
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips. Add these slices to your creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing everything together so the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your meal!
Notes
Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. You can prepare the creamy sauce while the chicken is cooking. Consider adding cooked veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.