Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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This Cajun garlic butter chicken linguine in creamy Parmesan sauce is the kind of dinner that makes everyone pause after the first bite. It packs a punch of spice, richness, and comfort all in one dish, blending the boldness of Cajun seasoning with the silkiness of Parmesan-laced cream. The garlic butter melts into the chicken creating golden, flavor-loaded bites that nestle into strands of perfectly cooked linguine.

Creamy yet not too heavy, spicy but balanced, this pasta is ideal for weeknight meals or when you want to impress without too much fuss. It has that restaurant-quality feel without any complicated steps. One bite and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

If you’re someone who likes a little spice and a lot of flavor, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a zesty warmth, while the butter adds richness and depth. The creamy Parmesan sauce brings it all together with a luxurious texture that coats every strand of linguine. It’s indulgent, soul-warming, and deeply satisfying.

The best part? It’s a one-pan sauce with simple pantry ingredients and quick prep time. Perfect for busy evenings, and it still feels like a special treat.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

Not all Cajun blends are created equal, so it’s worth checking the label. Some can be incredibly salty, while others go heavier on heat or herbs. For this recipe, look for a balanced blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. If you’re heat-sensitive, you can start with half the amount and build from there.

You can also make your own Cajun seasoning at home if you’d like more control. Just mix equal parts of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the spice level to suit your mood.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

This dish comes together with a handful of familiar ingredients that bring layers of flavor. The beauty of this recipe is how every component plays a role in creating a spicy, creamy, and deeply savory pasta dish that’s hard to resist.

• Chicken breast
• Cajun seasoning
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Linguine pasta
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Salt and black pepper
• Parsley (optional)

Chicken breast adds lean protein and becomes beautifully golden when seared in butter and Cajun spices. Cajun seasoning is the heart of the flavor profile, bringing heat, herbs, and color. Butter adds richness, while olive oil keeps the butter from burning. Fresh garlic cloves infuse the whole dish with warmth and aroma.

Linguine pasta is the perfect vehicle for holding onto the creamy sauce. Heavy cream creates the luxurious base for the Parmesan sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds umami, saltiness, and depth. Chicken broth thins the sauce just enough and enhances the savory profile. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and finish with fresh parsley for a bright pop of color and flavor if you like.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breast slices with Cajun seasoning. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more butter if needed. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and let it gently bubble for a couple of minutes before adding the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Add the cooked linguine and toss to coat everything in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

This rich and creamy Cajun garlic butter chicken linguine serves about four hungry eaters, making it ideal for a family meal or small gathering. It’s best enjoyed fresh, when the sauce is at its silkiest and the flavors are bold and bright. But leftovers also reheat well with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

To store, transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid to bring back the creaminess. It’s not the best for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, but if you do freeze it, make sure it’s tightly sealed and consume within a month.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with a crusty slice of garlic bread to swipe through every bit of that luscious Parmesan sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crispness of romaine and the tangy dressing offer a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Its earthy flavor and slight char pair beautifully with the richness of the linguine.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick, easy, and healthy, spinach brings freshness to balance the meal.

Tomato Cucumber Salad

A light and juicy salad with a vinegar kick cuts through the creamy texture.

Lemon Butter Broccoli

Adds brightness and a zesty bite that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

Baked Zucchini Fries

Crispy on the outside and soft inside, these add fun texture and are a tasty alternative to traditional sides.

White Wine

If you’re sipping, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the spice and cream with refreshing acidity.

Want More Pasta Dinners That Bring the Heat?

If this Cajun garlic butter chicken linguine fired up your appetite, you’re going to love these bold and creamy recipes too:

• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a smoky, spicy twist on a weeknight classic.
• One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you want minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Tuscan Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic cream sauce.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta that hits the sweet spot between tangy and creamy.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a playful spin on chicken and pasta.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

I’d love to know how your version turned out. Did you go heavy on the Cajun spice or take it easy? Did you use store-bought or homemade seasoning?

Drop your tips or twists in the comments and let’s swap notes — pasta lovers unite!

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Conclusion

Cajun garlic butter chicken linguine in creamy Parmesan sauce is more than a weeknight meal — it’s an experience. The bold spices, silky sauce, and tender chicken make it irresistibly delicious, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just looking for a comforting dinner with a kick, this dish has your name on it. Happy cooking!

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