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Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

4.1 from 35 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 8 oz linguine pasta

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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