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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 52 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Description

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, served over al dente linguine pasta tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan and tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a Cajun twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz linguine pasta
  • 1 Tbsp salt (for pasta water)

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided (adjust to taste)

Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2/3 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, cover it to keep warm, and set aside.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season all over with 1 1/2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to ensure an even coating and robust flavor.
  3. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear both sides until nicely browned. Reduce heat to low and continue to sauté until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
  4. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and minced garlic over medium heat. Sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for another 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  5. Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add the remaining Cajun seasoning according to your preferred taste, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Adjust seasoning if necessary to suit your preference.
  6. Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until the pasta and chicken are well coated and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved warm pasta water to loosen it. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use a non-reactive skillet such as stainless steel or cast iron to avoid any metallic taste from acidic ingredients like tomatoes.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning levels based on its brand and your spice tolerance, adding more if you prefer extra heat.
  • Flattening the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and helps the seasoning adhere better.
  • Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps to thin the sauce and improve its texture.
  • Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer for food safety.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be slightly less rich.

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