Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

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Craving something spicy, creamy, and utterly satisfying? This Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine is your new weeknight dinner hero. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken, blackened in a hot skillet, laid over a bed of luscious garlic parmesan linguine. It’s rich, bold, and comforting—a Southern-inspired dish with a creamy Italian twist.

The spice of the Cajun rub meets the silky depth of parmesan-infused sauce, creating a flavor combo that’s unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking to impress or indulging in some solo food joy, this recipe delivers maximum impact with minimal stress.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamless and delicious, you’ll need a few kitchen essentials:

• Cast Iron Skillet: Crucial for that signature sear and even cooking on the Cajun chicken.
• Large Pot: For boiling your linguine to that perfect al dente bite.
• Tongs or Spatula: To flip and handle the chicken cleanly and safely.
• Microplane Grater: Helps you get finely grated parmesan that melts beautifully into your sauce.
• Whisk: Important for ensuring the garlic parmesan sauce is lump-free and creamy.

Each tool plays a specific role in texture, flavor, and timing—together they ensure your dinner comes out as dreamy as it looks.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

• Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, they’re the star of the plate. Choose fresh for best texture.
• Cajun Seasoning – A bold mix of spices that brings that signature Southern heat.
• Olive Oil – Helps to sear the chicken and carry the spices deep into the crust.
• Linguine Pasta – Wide enough to hold creamy sauce, yet elegant enough to pair beautifully with chicken.
• Heavy Cream – The base of your garlic parmesan sauce. Rich, thick, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with that unmistakable savory bite.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty depth and creamy body to the pasta sauce.
• Butter – Gives the sauce a glossy finish and helps carry the garlic flavor.
• Parsley (optional) – For garnish and a hint of freshness to balance the richness.

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How To Make the Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry and generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken cooks, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the grated parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked linguine directly into the garlic parmesan sauce. Use tongs to coat every strand evenly. Let it simmer on low for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Slice the seared Cajun chicken and place over a bed of creamy linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every spicy, savory bite.

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Serving and Storing Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Serve this dish piping hot with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving the chicken too long—a quick pan warm-up keeps it tender and flavorful.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

It varies by brand, but typically it’s a moderate heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, opt for a mild blend or use less.

Can I substitute the linguine with another pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine or spaghetti work just as well. Even penne or rigatoni if you prefer shorter pasta.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream?

You can try full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream. The taste will change slightly, but it still works.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Use any heavy-bottomed skillet that retains heat well. Just ensure it gets hot enough to sear the chicken.

Can I prep any components in advance?

Yes! The chicken can be seasoned ahead of time, and the sauce can be made a day early and reheated.

Does this recipe work with shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, shrimp is a great substitute. Just reduce the cooking time since shrimp cook quickly.

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Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which amps up the spice even further with smoked paprika. For a creamy bake, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe.

If you love variety in textures, the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta hits all the right notes.

For another cozy, creamy bowl of comfort, try the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce or the weeknight favorite Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta night board for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add extra garlic? Swap in shrimp? Leave a comment below—I’m always curious how everyone personalizes it.

For more weeknight inspiration and delicious dinners, check out my Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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