Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine

Looking for healthy lunch ideas that the whole family will love? This Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine is not only packed with flavor but also easy to make, ensuring mealtime is both nutritious and delightful. Discover more family-friendly recipes at Therecipes and elevate your lunch game! HealthyLunchIdeas FamilyFriendlyMeals CajunCuisine QuickRecipes PastaLovers DinnerInspo YummyEats

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Ingredients

For the Spicy Cajun Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Garlic Parmesan Linguine:

8 oz linguine pasta

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

- In a small bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

- Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Cook the Linguine:

- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

- Stir in the heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything:

- Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat well.

- Slice the Cajun chicken and arrange it over the garlic Parmesan linguine. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve:

- Plate the dish, and if desired, sprinkle with additional parmesan and red pepper flakes for extra spice. Enjoy your Spicy Cajun Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Linguine!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | Serves 4