Description
How to make spicy Cajun chicken and creamy garlic parmesan linguine that will become your new favorite weeknight meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Aromatics & Fats:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- Flavor Builders & Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Slice chicken, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and red bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Build Sauce: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it thicken slightly, creating the base for your Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Al dente pasta ensures the best texture for your Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine.
- Combine Dish: Add cooked linguine and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to emulsify and achieve desired creaminess. Stir in the sliced cooked chicken.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish your delicious Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately, perhaps with extra Parmesan cheese on the side. Enjoy this comforting meal with friends and family!
Notes
Prevent bitter sauce by cooking minced garlic only for one minute until fragrant, after other aromatics soften.
Store leftover Cajun Chicken and Garlic Parmesan Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that hinder proper sauce emulsification.
Serve piping hot immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and presentation.
Cook chicken and sauce components up to two days in advance; store separately and combine with fresh pasta before serving.
For ultimate gloss and richness, finish the sauce by rapidly whisking in a cold pat of unsalted butter.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten
