Description
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine in Cajun Alfredo sauce combines spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken with a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce for a bold and comforting pasta dish ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz linguine pasta
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
Pinch of Cajun seasoning (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- In the last minute of cooking the chicken, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan, cream cheese, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- If sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
- Add cooked linguine to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Plate the pasta, top with Cajun chicken, and garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
Notes
Swap chicken for shrimp or andouille sausage for variation.
Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.
Adjust Cajun seasoning for more or less heat.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 880
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
