Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy one pot Cajun chicken linguine combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, all cooked together for convenience and flavor. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz linguine pasta
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the pan. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5: Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the linguine pasta to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Let everything cook together for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, toss gently, and serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes along with the Cajun seasoning.
• Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if preferred; adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on cook time—add it at the end to warm through.
• If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered after adding the cheese.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well for this dish and tend to stay juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, the pasta may become mushy after thawing. It’s best to freeze the sauce and chicken separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

This Creamy One Pot Cajun Chicken Linguine features tender chicken breasts seasoned with bold Cajun spices, simmered in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce with linguine pasta. It’s a quick, comforting dish that combines creamy, savory flavors with a hint of spice, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz linguine pasta

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to ensure a flavorful crust.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, sauté the minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
4. Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits, which adds depth to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5. Incorporate Parmesan: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Cook the Pasta: Add the linguine pasta directly into the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
7. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and return them to the pot. Let everything cook together for an additional 2–3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
8. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, toss gently, and serve hot for a delicious, creamy Cajun-inspired meal.

Notes

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
• The recipe works well with gluten-free linguine for a gluten-free option.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy linguine, one pot pasta recipe, garlic Parmesan sauce, quick dinner, Cajun seasoning chicken