Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While linguine works beautifully with this sauce, any pasta shape will work. Fettuccine provides a similar experience, while penne or bow ties will catch the sauce in their nooks and crannies for little bursts of flavor.

How do I adjust the spice level of this dish?

For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper in your Cajun seasoning by half or omit it entirely. For more heat, double the cayenne or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the finished dish. Remember that the cream helps tame the spice.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

You can prepare components ahead of time – season the chicken, slice the vegetables, and even make the homemade Cajun seasoning in advance. However, I recommend cooking the dish shortly before serving for the best texture and freshness. The sauce can separate or thicken too much if made too far in advance.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

For the best results, stick with heavy cream. If needed, half-and-half can work but will produce a thinner sauce. To help thicken it, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese or create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the simmering sauce.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish, combining tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, colorful sautéed vegetables, and creamy linguine pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe brings a touch of spice and richness to your table.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (1 teaspoon per chicken breast)
3 tablespoons butter

For the Pasta and Vegetables:

1 pound linguine
3 medium multi-color bell peppers (sliced)
1 red onion (sliced)
8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms (sliced)
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Rub all four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning each. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Sear the chicken breasts on each side for about 2 minutes until browned. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which will take about 5–7 minutes per side depending on their thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound of linguine according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Slice Vegetables
Slice the bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms into thin strips.
Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet (do not clean it), melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms. Sauté for 6–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning over the vegetables and cook for 1 more minute to coat them evenly with flavor.
Make the Sauce
Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir well to combine the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the creamy vegetable sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the vegetables are distributed throughout.
Serve
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and serve them over the creamy pasta. Plate and enjoy while hot!

Notes

Homemade Cajun Seasoning: If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, you can make your own using:
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt
For extra flavor, you can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 700
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 130mg