Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Cooking everything in one pot makes it both easy and quick, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Author: Cara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to ensure they are flavorful before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot, and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: Add 8 oz of linguine pasta to the pot, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking in the flavorful sauce.
- Combine Chicken with Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the pot. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness. Toss gently and serve the creamy Cajun chicken linguine hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Garnish with parsley only if desired; it adds a nice fresh flavor and color contrast.
Keywords: Cajun chicken, creamy pasta, one pot meal, linguine recipe, garlic Parmesan sauce, easy dinner, weeknight recipe