Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce 🍝😋

📋 Ingredients:

For the Cajun Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Creamy Parmesan Linguine:

1 lb (450g) linguine pasta

4 tablespoons butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

1/4 cup reserved pasta water

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Directions:

1️⃣ Cook the linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

2️⃣ Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning.

3️⃣ In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and butter. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let it rest.

4️⃣ Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

5️⃣ In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

6️⃣ Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.

7️⃣ Toss the cooked linguine into the Parmesan sauce. Add some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

8️⃣ Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, and extra Parmesan.

⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes

⏱ Cook Time: 30 minutes

⏱ Total Time: 45 minutes

🔥 Calories: ~720 per serving

🍽 Serves: 4 people