Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine in Cajun Alfredo Recipe
This recipe is a flavor-packed fusion of Cajun spice and Italian indulgence. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce with spicy Cajun seasoning creates a bold and satisfying flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests and can be easily customized to your spice preference. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a go-to for busy nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Linguine pasta
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Olive oil
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Cajun seasoning
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Butter
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
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Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove and let it rest before slicing.
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In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Add more Cajun seasoning to the sauce to taste, then season with salt and pepper.
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Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, making sure it’s well coated.
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Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the pasta.
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Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different protein option.
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Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
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Substitute fettuccine or penne if you don’t have linguine on hand.
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Try a light cream or half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.
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For a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating is also fine—cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Avoid overcooking the chicken during reheating to keep it tender.
FAQs
What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can also use thighs for a juicier option.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter alternative.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just slice and heat it gently before adding it to the pasta.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can use Romano or Asiago cheese as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
Cook over low to medium heat and avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream and cheese.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can make the sauce and chicken in advance and reheat just before serving.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check all ingredients for gluten-free labels.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine in Cajun Alfredo is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe delivers rich, spicy, and creamy perfection every time.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine in Cajun Alfredo
Creamy, garlicky, and boldly seasoned, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Linguine in Cajun Alfredo is the ultimate comfort pasta. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, then tossed with linguine in a rich Alfredo sauce made with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of Cajun heat. A restaurant-quality pasta dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 2 large chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil linguine in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Season the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove, rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan: Whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Finish & serve: Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, blacken the chicken in a cast-iron skillet.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Substitute fettuccine or penne if linguine isn’t available.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
