Description
This Creamy Cajun Linguine is a delicious and comforting pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a rich, spicy cream sauce with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken or shrimp. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a touch of heat, it’s an easy weeknight meal that brings bold Cajun flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Protein
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or shrimp, sliced or peeled and deveined
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook Protein: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken or shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Add to the skillet and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Season & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- This recipe works well with sausage or a combination of proteins for variety.
- For a lighter cream sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps to loosen the sauce and improve its consistency.
