Cajun Spiced Chicken over Creamy Garlic Linguine
Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken strips in the seasoning mixture until fully coated.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Linguine: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
4. Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Stir the Parmesan cheese into the sauce, then add the cooked linguine, tossing it to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish and Serve: Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet, stirring it into the creamy linguine. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
7. Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun spiced chicken and linguine, and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 600 per serving