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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, combined with al dente linguine pasta, and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy whipping cream, garlic, diced tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make one-pan pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers bold taste and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine pasta

Chicken

  • 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 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta, cover, and keep warm.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to an 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. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until nicely browned. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes to develop flavor.
  4. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy whipping cream, the remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and season further if needed.
  5. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated and warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved warm pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta topped with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Avoid using cast iron or copper pans when making creamy sauces with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, as they may react and make the sauce grainy.
  • If using a Cajun seasoning with high salt content, start with half the recommended amount and adjust to taste as needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Find it online: https://mealsbymia.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/