The Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is a delightful dish that perfectly balances spicy, rich, and comforting flavors. Imagine tender chicken breasts, seasoned with bold Cajun spices, cooked to golden perfection, then tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce loaded with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Combined with al dente linguine, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of gourmet flair to your weekday dinner without the fuss. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe wraps every bite in warmth and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and that beautiful creamy consistency you crave. From the bold Cajun seasoning that spices up the chicken to the silky Parmesan sauce, every element is carefully chosen to make this dish shine.
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed: Tender chicken chunks that soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds a spicy, smoky depth that defines the dish’s bold profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic punch that complements the butter and cream perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Creates a rich base for sautéing and melds the flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken to golden-brown perfection without burning.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: Gives the sauce its creamy, velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream to provide a salty, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 8 oz linguine pasta: The perfect pasta to capture the rich sauce and tender chicken pieces.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a subtle herbal note at the end.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing the cubed chicken breasts with the Cajun seasoning until they are evenly coated. This step is crucial because it infuses the chicken with that signature spicy kick that makes this dish unique. Be generous but even in your seasoning for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside. Cooking the chicken first ensures that it remains tender and juicy inside the creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step releases the garlic’s aroma and infuses the butter, creating the flavorful foundation of your sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the cream. Season this luscious sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, balancing the richness with a little seasoning.
Step 5: Cook the Linguine
While the sauce is simmering, cook the linguine in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—the starchy water is a secret weapon to help bind the sauce and pasta perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained linguine and reserved pasta water to the creamy sauce. Toss everything well to coat each strand of linguine with the indulgent Parmesan sauce. This ensures every bite is creamy, flavorful, and irresistible.
Step 7: Return Chicken to the Pan
Finally, return the cooked Cajun-spiced chicken to the skillet, stirring gently so the chicken pieces are enveloped in the sauce alongside the pasta. This step allows the chicken to soak up some of the sauce’s creaminess while bringing back its flavorful sear.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Garnish
Serve your Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you like. This fresh touch rounds out the richness with a bright color and mild herbaceous note.
How to Serve Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an easy and beautiful garnish that adds a pop of color and a subtle freshness that contrasts the creamy, spicy sauce. A little grated extra Parmesan also gives a final savory kick that cheese lovers will adore. Feel free to toss in a few crushed red pepper flakes for an extra heat boost!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs fantastically with crisp, garlicky green beans or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. The light sides balance the rich pasta and chicken, offering a refreshing contrast and rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve this pasta in deep white bowls to highlight the creamy sauce’s inviting color. Add a lemon wedge on the side for guests who want to squeeze a bit of brightness over their dish. For gatherings, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top adds an unexpected crunch and elevated texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken once chilled, so you will want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back that velvety smooth texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Separate the chicken and pasta from the sauce if possible, and freeze them in individual containers. This method helps retain the cream sauce’s best quality after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little cream, milk, or pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and maintain its luscious consistency. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, fettucine, fettuccine, or even penne can be delicious alternatives depending on your preference.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate spice level with a smoky, garlicky undertone. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or choose a milder cajun blend.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be different but still tasty and creamy.
Is it important to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserving pasta water is a classic chef’s trick. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and adjusts the sauce consistency without watering down the flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the chicken and make the sauce in advance but toss everything together just before serving to keep the pasta fresh and prevent the sauce from thickening too much.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, bold flavors, and a touch of luxury all in one pot, you’ve got to try the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight winner that feels special enough for guests, and once you make it, this recipe will surely land on your regular rotation. Grab those ingredients and treat yourself to a creamy, spicy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
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Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a quick and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender, spicy chicken with a rich, creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it balances the heat of Cajun seasoning with the smoothness of butter and garlic, all tossed with al dente linguine for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Toss the cubed chicken breasts with the Cajun seasoning until they are evenly coated, ensuring every bite has a spicy kick.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Linguine: While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine along with the reserved pasta water to the skillet with the parmesan cream sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Add Chicken Back: Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine, allowing the chicken to warm through and get coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the Cajun garlic butter chicken linguine and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency by adding more reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice bright contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
