Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine in Butter Cream Sauce

Gather these ingredients to make your Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat

Directions

Follow these simple steps to create your Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and make the butter cream sauce in the same skillet. Melt the butter and sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, letting it simmer for 2 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 7: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Mix in the cooked chicken and stir well. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

2. How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

3. Can this recipe be made in advance?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Simply store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

4. What can I add for extra veggies?

Adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms works beautifully in this dish. Sauté them with the garlic for added flavor.

5. How spicy is this dish?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. Feel free to add extra or use milder seasoning for less heat.

Conclusion

Smoky Cajun Chicken Linguine in a Butter Cream Sauce is a flavor-packed dish that’s not only easy to make but is also guaranteed to impress your family and friends. The combination of smoky spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy this delightful recipe any night of the week for a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire!

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