Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine Dish

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home with Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine. This hearty pasta combines tender seared chicken coated in Cajun spices with a creamy and cheesy butter sauce. Linguine is tossed in the rich sauce alongside chicken, delivering bold flavor in every bite. Finish the dish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Perfect for dinner, it’s comforting, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at the table.

Fatiha
Updated on Mon, 14 Jul 2025 14:05:31 GMT
A plate of food with chicken and noodles. Pin it
A plate of food with chicken and noodles. | zestplate.com

This smoky Cajun chicken linguine has become my signature dish for dinner parties and family gatherings. The creamy sauce with bold Cajun spices creates a restaurant-quality pasta that impresses everyone at the table while being surprisingly simple to prepare.

I first made this dish when trying to recreate a pasta I had at a Louisiana-inspired restaurant. After several attempts to perfect the sauce, my version now gets requested more than takeout in our house. The smell of the Cajun spices hitting the hot pan still makes my mouth water every time.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips are the perfect protein that soaks up all the Cajun flavor
  • Linguine pasta: Works beautifully with cream sauces as the flat strands hold the sauce exceptionally well
  • Cajun seasoning: Brings authentic Louisiana flavor with its blend of peppers, herbs and spices
  • Smoked paprika: Adds a deep smoky dimension that elevates the dish beyond basic Cajun food
  • Fresh garlic: Minced rather than pre-packaged adds bright aromatic notes essential to the sauce
  • Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base for the sauce with its rich mouthfeel
  • Chicken broth: Helps build a complex flavor foundation while thinning the cream slightly
  • Unsalted butter: Adds silky richness and allows you to control the salt level
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Thickens the sauce naturally and adds umami depth
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich dish with color and a fresh herbal note

How To Make Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine

Prepare the pasta:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until just al dente, typically 9-11 minutes. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as this magic ingredient can help adjust the sauce consistency later. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling better.
Season the chicken:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika, using your hands to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. This dry marinade creates a flavorful crust when the chicken hits the hot pan. Let the seasoned chicken sit for 5 minutes if you have time, allowing the spices to adhere properly.
Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. The chicken should reach 165°F internally. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Create the sauce base:
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt while capturing all the flavorful browned bits from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and cook for exactly 60 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce by about half, about 2 minutes.
Build the cream sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese in three batches, whisking thoroughly between additions until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that Cajun seasoning already contains salt.
Combine all elements:
Add the cooked linguine directly to the sauce, using tongs to toss and coat every strand thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices and fold gently to distribute throughout the pasta.
Finish and serve:
Let the pasta, chicken and sauce cook together for one final minute, allowing the flavors to meld. Plate immediately in warmed bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with optional red pepper flakes on the side for heat lovers.
A bowl of pasta with chicken and cheese. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and cheese. | zestplate.com

My secret for this recipe is actually the smoked paprika. While not traditionally Cajun, it adds a subtle campfire essence that complements the spice blend perfectly. My husband says this pasta reminds him of the food his grandmother from Louisiana used to make, which is the highest compliment I could receive.

Spice Level Control

The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily you can adjust the heat level to suit your preference. The standard amount of Cajun seasoning provides a moderate warmth that most people enjoy. For those who prefer milder flavors, reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 tablespoon and omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Heat lovers can increase the Cajun seasoning up to 2 tablespoons and add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes directly to the sauce. Remember that the spiciness tends to intensify as the dish sits, so leftovers may have more kick than when freshly made.

A bowl of pasta with chicken and herbs. Pin it
A bowl of pasta with chicken and herbs. | zestplate.com

Make-Ahead Options

This Cajun chicken linguine works wonderfully for meal prep or entertaining scenarios. The chicken can be seasoned and cooked up to two days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta can be cooked one day ahead, tossed with a little olive oil, and refrigerated. When ready to serve, make the cream sauce fresh, then add the pre-cooked components to heat through. For the freshest flavor, add the Parmesan cheese just before serving. If you need to make the entire dish ahead, reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with crisp sides that balance its creamy decadence. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For beverages, try a cold Abita beer for authentic Louisiana flair, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer wine. The dish also works wonderfully with a sparkling water with lime to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

To prevent curdling, lower the heat when adding cream, stir consistently, and avoid boiling the sauce.

→ Can I substitute Cajun seasoning?

If Cajun seasoning is unavailable, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and oregano.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk can work as substitutes, though the flavor will change slightly.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or increase the amount of smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne to suit your preference.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.

Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine

Smoky Cajun chicken in creamy linguine with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Cajun

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 12 oz linguine pasta
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 1 ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
05 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 1 cup heavy cream
08 1/2 cup chicken broth
09 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
13 Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a bowl, toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika until evenly coated.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 04

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Step 05

Stir in heavy cream and simmer until it thickens slightly. Add grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired).

Step 06

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Stir in the cooked chicken and mix well. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.

Step 07

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream and Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains gluten (linguine pasta)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 35 g