Spicy Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
8 ounces linguine pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
1. Cook the linguine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained linguine. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.
Serves 4
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 620
Net Carbs: 40g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 36g
Tips & Variations:
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.