Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Cajun
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz linguine pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

When juicy grilled chicken meets a creamy parmesan bath and a kiss of Cajun heat, you get a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce brings bold flavor, velvety texture, and that just-right spice kick to your dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that stops conversations at the first bite.

What sets this pasta apart is the perfect harmony of heat and cream. The Cajun-seasoned chicken is seared to a golden crust, locking in juices while the garlic butter base fills your kitchen with irresistible aroma. Pair that with linguine wrapped in a smooth parmesan sauce, and you’ve got a weeknight dinner that tastes like it came out of a restaurant kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious dish, having the right tools makes all the difference:

Cast iron skillet or grill pan: Essential for creating that flavorful sear on the chicken. The high heat and even distribution of cast iron help caramelize the spices beautifully.
Large pot for boiling pasta: You’ll need ample space for the linguine to cook evenly without clumping.
Tongs and spatula: Crucial for turning and handling the chicken without losing those golden brown bits.

Whisk: Helps bring the creamy parmesan sauce together smoothly without clumps.
Microplane or grater: For freshly grated parmesan, which melts more easily into the sauce than pre-shredded cheese.

Having these tools ready will streamline your prep and ensure the final dish is as satisfying as it looks.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe adds a key layer of flavor and texture:

Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The protein star, lean yet juicy when cooked with care.
Linguine pasta: Its flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce, making each bite flavorful.

Butter: A base for the garlic sauce that brings richness and depth.
Garlic (minced): Adds pungent aroma and sharp warmth to the butter.
Heavy cream: Essential for that luscious, smooth parmesan sauce.

Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): The core flavor of the sauce, nutty and salty.
Cajun seasoning: Gives the chicken its bold, smoky-spicy kick.
Paprika: Enhances color and adds a sweet-smoky layer to the Cajun flavor.

Olive oil: Helps the chicken crisp up while keeping it juicy.
Salt and black pepper: Foundational seasoning to balance all flavors.
Fresh parsley (chopped): A pop of color and brightness as garnish.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and slice into cubes. Coat evenly with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a hot cast iron skillet with a mix of olive oil and butter, sear the seasoned chicken pieces until golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Boil the Linguine

Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Parmesan Base

Pour in heavy cream and whisk gently. Stir in freshly grated parmesan, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked linguine into the sauce, tossing to coat every strand. Return the seared Cajun chicken to the skillet and gently mix. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Serving and Storing Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

This dish shines brightest when served hot, fresh off the skillet. For presentation, plate the linguine first, then top with juicy Cajun chicken cubes, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra touch of grated parmesan.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce without drying out the pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like it hotter.

Can I use a different pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well. Just aim for something that can hold onto the creamy sauce.

Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs offer even more juiciness and flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless and cooked thoroughly.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative, though the flavor will slightly differ.

What should I serve with this dish?

A crisp green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli complement the richness of the dish beautifully.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but for the best texture, cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine, you’ll definitely want to explore these other delicious dinners:

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun? Add a little extra garlic? Serve with bread?

I love seeing the different ways you make this recipe your own. Share your twist or ask any questions—let’s make dinner even better together!

For more daily meal inspiration, check out my Pinterest board at Life With Olivia.

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a flavor-packed dish where tender chicken is seasoned with bold Cajun spices, seared to perfection, and tossed in a silky garlic parmesan cream sauce with al dente linguine. It’s rich, spicy, and incredibly comforting—the perfect dinner to impress or treat yourself.