Name: Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cubed; 8 oz linguine; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Rich, savory, and laced with Cajun spice, this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is pure comfort on a plate. Picture tender cubes of juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and seared to a golden crisp, nestled beside silky linguine coated in a luscious, cheesy parmesan sauce. The garlic butter infuses every bite with warmth, while the Cajun seasoning delivers a bold kick that’s both comforting and exciting.

This dish is a weeknight hero and a dinner party star rolled into one. It comes together quickly but looks and tastes like something from your favorite bistro. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a plate of something downright delicious, this recipe is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Full of Flavor: The Cajun spices add a bold punch, while the creamy parmesan sauce balances with richness.
One Skillet Wonder: The chicken cooks fast and flavorful in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Date Night or Weeknight: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for your busiest evenings.
Customizable: Dial up the heat or mellow it down, and swap linguine with your favorite pasta shape.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish seamlessly, here are the tools and why each one matters:

Large Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: Crucial for getting that golden sear on the chicken and evenly cooking your sauce.
Large Pot for Pasta: A spacious pot ensures the linguine cooks evenly without sticking together.
Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Ideal for flipping chicken and moving it without breaking apart the pieces.
Microplane or Cheese Grater: For finely grated parmesan that melts smoothly into your sauce.
Measuring Spoons & Cups: Accuracy is key to nailing the spice blend and sauce consistency.

Gather these essentials, and you’re set for creamy, garlicky success.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Chicken Breast (cubed): The star protein of this dish, seasoned and seared for a crispy, juicy bite.
Linguine: A wide, flat pasta that clings to the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Lends a rich, velvety texture to the parmesan sauce.
Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): Adds nutty, salty depth that melts into silky perfection.
Garlic (minced): The foundation of flavor in the garlic butter and sauce.
Butter: Used to sear the chicken and build flavor in the sauce.
Cajun Seasoning: The spice blend that brings warmth, smokiness, and a bit of heat.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken evenly while enhancing its golden crust.
Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the flavors and balance the heat.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a touch of freshness and color as garnish.

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Toss the cubed chicken in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, boil linguine in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan, letting it melt slowly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss cooked linguine into the sauce, coating it well. Add back the seared Cajun chicken and let everything mingle for a minute. Plate up and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving and Storing Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish fresh off the stove while the sauce is at its creamiest and the chicken still juicy. Pair it with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread for a complete dinner.

To store, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. While freezing is not ideal due to the dairy, it can be done if needed—just know the sauce may slightly separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of linguine?

You can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne. Just aim for pasta shapes that can hold the creamy sauce.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. You can also stir in extra cream to mellow the spice.

Is it okay to use pre-grated parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan melts smoother and offers better flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch. Just avoid the shelf-stable powdered kind.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms pair beautifully with the flavors. Sauté them after the chicken, before making the sauce.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning and parmesan are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream and stirring gently until warmed through.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy Cajun chicken linguine, you might enjoy these hearty favorites:

Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a crispy, savory bite.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti that’s rich and loaded with comfort.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for handheld flavor on the go.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for a sweet and spicy twist.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza if you’re craving a fresh Mediterranean flair.

Save This Pin For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Add mushrooms? Swap the linguine?

I love seeing your spins on my recipes! Feel free to ask questions or share your tips. Let’s make dinner better together.

👉 For more daily meal inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart — see what’s new in the Kitchen By Kate collection.