Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with cajun spices, tossed in a rich and creamy parmesan sauce with diced tomatoes, served over perfectly cooked linguine pasta. It’s a comforting and spicy meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz linguine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp cajun seasoning, divided (or to taste depending on brand)
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 parsley, finely chopped, to serve
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cover it to keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season all over with 1 1/2 tablespoons of cajun seasoning. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and has a balanced flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large non-reactive skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden. Reduce heat to low and continue to sauté until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F internally. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover them to keep warm.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, then add the remaining cajun seasoning to taste along with the grated parmesan cheese. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken and cooked linguine into the sauce. Toss thoroughly to combine and ensure the pasta and chicken are heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved warm pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Avoid using cast iron or copper pans when making creamy sauces with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, as these metals can react and cause the sauce to become grainy.
- If your cajun seasoning contains a high amount of salt, start with half the recommended amount and add more to taste to avoid over-salting the dish.
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta