This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is a simple, flavorful pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite. Bold Cajun seasoning, juicy chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce make this an easy weeknight winner.
Looking for a hearty pasta that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine combines tender, seasoned chicken strips with a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, diced tomatoes, and Parmesan. The Cajun spice brings warmth and depth while the creamy tomato sauce softens the heat for a well-balanced dish.
Prep and cook times are short, so this recipe is ideal for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. It’s versatile, too—easy to adapt if you prefer seafood, lower-carb options, or lighter dairy alternatives. Try it as written the first time, then customize to your family’s tastes.
Variations for Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine
- Swap chicken for shrimp: Cook shrimp briefly until just pink and add to the sauce for a seafood twist.
- Use zucchini noodles: Replace linguine with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option; sauté briefly before tossing with sauce.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for heavy cream: Stir in 1 cup of Greek yogurt at the end for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Temper it with a little hot sauce from the pan to avoid curdling.
- Choose whole wheat pasta: Use whole wheat linguine to boost fiber and nutrients.
- Add vegetables: Sauté spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the chicken for extra color and nutrition.
- Cauliflower puree instead of cream: Blend steamed cauliflower until smooth and use it to thicken the sauce for a lower-fat alternative.
- Grill the chicken: Grill chicken breasts for a smoky flavor and to reduce added oil.
- Opt for low-fat Parmesan: Use reduced-fat Parmesan to lower calories while keeping savory taste.
Ingredients for Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine
- 1 lb linguine pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or substitute)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Tips and Tricks
- Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning before cooking to ensure bold flavor throughout the dish.
- Reserve pasta water: Keep about 1/2 cup of cooking water when you drain the pasta. The starchy water helps bind and thicken the sauce.
- Taste and adjust: After combining pasta and sauce, taste and add salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if you prefer extra heat.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated varieties.
- Add tomatoes near the end of simmering so they remain bright and slightly firm rather than turning mushy.
- Finish with parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a bright herbal note that complements the Cajun spices.
Recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine
A creamy, slightly spicy pasta with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and a rich tomato-cream sauce.
Cook Time:
45
45
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or substitute)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced tomatoes and simmer until the liquid reduces by about half, roughly 4–6 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture and help it cling to the pasta.
- Grate Parmesan fresh for best melt and flavor.
- Add tomatoes later in the cooking process to keep them bright and slightly firm.
- Finish with fresh parsley to brighten the dish and balance the spices.
Nutrition
Serving: 1
|
Calories: 660 | Carbs: 93g
|
Calories: 660 | Carbs: 93g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keyword: chicken, pasta, Cajun
Servings:
6 people
6 people
Calories:
660kcal
660kcal
Author: Glitter and Graze