A flavorful Cajun-spiced chicken linguine tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan garlic Alfredo sauce, perfect for a hearty and comforting dinner. I love how the Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a smoky kick while the Alfredo balances it with a silky, cheesy embrace. This is one of those recipes that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food but is surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I really enjoy how this dish marries bold Cajun flavors with the smooth creaminess of Parmesan Alfredo. The tender linguine soaks up every drop of that luscious sauce, and the juicy Cajun chicken adds the perfect bite of spice. I find it’s an ideal meal for when I want something indulgent but still quick enough to make on a weeknight. Plus, it’s easy to tweak depending on my spice tolerance or the pasta I have in my pantry.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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8 oz linguine pasta
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2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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2 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
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I start by cooking the linguine pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
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I season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, I add olive oil and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. I remove it from the skillet and slice it into strips.
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Using the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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I pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring frequently until warmed through.
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I add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce turns smooth and creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper.
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I add the cooked linguine and chicken strips to the sauce, tossing everything together so it’s well coated.
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Finally, I garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so I have a comforting, restaurant-style pasta dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap linguine for fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne when I want something different. If I’m in the mood for more heat, I add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes. I’ve also tried it with shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, and it works beautifully.
storage/reheating
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the sauce from separating.
FAQs
How spicy is this Cajun chicken linguine?
I find it has a moderate kick, but I can always adjust by using less or more Cajun seasoning.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I can cook the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and then toss everything with fresh pasta just before serving.
What type of Parmesan works best?
I always use freshly grated Parmesan because it melts more smoothly and gives the sauce better flavor than pre-shredded versions.
Can I make it lighter?
I sometimes swap half-and-half for the cream and use less cheese to make a lighter version, though it won’t be as rich.
Is it freezer-friendly?
I don’t recommend freezing it because creamy sauces tend to separate after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
I love how Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Alfredo brings together rich, creamy indulgence and a punch of bold flavor in such a simple way. It’s a weeknight-friendly meal that still feels special enough for guests. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess—exactly what I want in a comforting pasta dish.
Print
Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Alfredo
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful Cajun-spiced chicken linguine tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan garlic Alfredo sauce, perfect for a hearty and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring frequently until warmed.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked linguine and chicken strips to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Can substitute linguine with fettuccine or spaghetti.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 150mg