Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but I recommend thawing the chicken completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and to retain that juicy texture.

Is there a homemade Cajun seasoning blend I can use?

Definitely! Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for a simple homemade Cajun seasoning that tastes just as good as store-bought.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any additives with gluten. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

How spicy is this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The level of spice is moderate and customizable. The Cajun seasoning provides a mild to medium heat, but you can easily adjust it by using less seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne if you want more kick.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Flavorful Easy Dinner

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 6 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided; 6 tablespoons butter, divided; 1 pound linguine; 3 medium multi-color bell peppers, sliced; 1 red onion, sliced; 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 cups heavy cream

Description

A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken breasts, sautéed multi-color bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms tossed in a luscious creamy sauce with linguine pasta. This comforting dish combines bold Cajun seasoning with a smooth, indulgent cream sauce for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, divided
6 tablespoons butter, divided

Pasta

1 pound linguine

Vegetables

3 medium multi-color bell peppers, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced

Sauce

2 cups heavy cream

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Instructions

Season the chicken. Rub each boneless skinless chicken breast with about 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to evenly coat. Set aside.
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until browned on each side, about 2 minutes per side.
Finish cooking chicken. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low and continue cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and mushrooms. Sauté the vegetables, stirring frequently, until tender, about 6 to 7 minutes.
Season the vegetables. Sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning over the sautéed veggies and cook for 1 more minute to coat the flavors evenly.
Create the cream sauce. Pour 2 cups of heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine.
Toss pasta with sauce. Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the vegetables are well distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
Serve with sliced chicken. Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them over the creamy Cajun pasta while hot for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider making your own Cajun seasoning blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
If preferred, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
The chicken can be cooked a day ahead and reheated for convenience.
For gluten-free option, use gluten-free linguine pasta.
Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 780 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 228 mg
Fat: 44 g
Saturated Fat: 26 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 66 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 187 mg