Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine
Indulge in a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner with "Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Linguine." This dish combines perfectly seasoned Cajun chicken with a rich Parmesan sauce, served over tender linguine. It's a comforting, satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or a special treat for family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free version
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese or dairy-free Parmesan for a vegan version
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat it in the creamy sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Make it Spicier: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for an extra kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta as a substitute for linguine.
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Add Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.