Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta features tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, tossed with linguine in a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy whipping cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and diced tomatoes. It’s a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
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 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
To Serve
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. Cover to keep warm.
- Prepare Chicken: Beat the chicken breasts to 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. Add the chicken and sear both sides until golden. Lower heat to low and cook through until internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Transfer chicken to a cutting board, slice into thin strips, and cover to keep warm.
- Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet over medium heat, sauté the butter and minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and sauté for 2 more minutes to combine flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy whipping cream, add remaining Cajun seasoning to taste, and stir in parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine and warm everything through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin it. Serve garnished with freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Avoid using cast iron or copper pans when making creamy sauces with acidic ingredients like tomatoes, as they can react and make the sauce grainy.
- Since Cajun seasoning salt levels vary, it’s best to start with less seasoning and add more to taste.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165˚F for safe consumption.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
