Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
A delicious and satisfying dish that combines spicy Cajun chicken with rich, creamy linguine pasta, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken strips with this spice blend, making sure every piece is well-seasoned.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the linguine in a large pot of boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, keeping a little of the pasta water aside for later if needed.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the flavorful bits from the skillet. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until it's evenly coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Serving
- Plate the pasta and then the chicken. Garnish with a pinch of fresh parsley.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can use shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein option.