A comforting, creamy pasta dinner with a bold Cajun twist, this dish brings together tender, spice-rubbed chicken and rich parmesan sauce for a one-pan meal that’s bound to be on repeat. Each bite delivers garlicky butter, smoky heat, and velvety linguine all perfectly coated in a dreamy sauce.

This is the kind of recipe you whip up when you’re craving something indulgent yet balanced. The Cajun seasoning adds excitement without being overpowering, while the buttery garlic base and heavy cream create a luxurious texture that clings to every strand of linguine. It’s indulgent but still feels homemade and heartfelt, like something you’d make for someone special.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

You’ll fall hard for this recipe if you love pasta dishes that bring restaurant-quality flavor with minimal hassle. It’s bold, creamy, and a little spicy — the kind of comfort food that comes together fast but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself.

The one-pan factor is also a winner. Everything cooks in stages in the same skillet, so cleanup is easier and the flavors build up in the best way possible.

What Makes the Sauce So Creamy and Flavorful?

The key to that dreamy texture is a balance of fat and dairy. Garlic butter lays down the flavor foundation, while heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese thicken the sauce to a silky finish. The Cajun seasoning brings depth and a little heat, but you control the intensity depending on your preference.

Linguine, with its smooth and slightly wide shape, is the ideal pasta for holding this sauce. It absorbs just enough of the creamy mixture to be rich but not soggy. And when you toss it all with pan-seared Cajun chicken, you’ll see exactly why this combination works so well.

Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

This flavorful pasta dish brings together pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to create something truly mouthwatering. Each component plays an essential role, from the bold Cajun spices to the creamy parmesan base that ties it all together.

Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for searing and absorbing all the spices.
Cajun seasoning – Adds smoky heat and earthy spice that defines the whole dish.
Olive oil – Helps achieve that perfect sear on the chicken and prevents sticking.
Butter – The base of the garlic butter sauce; rich, creamy, and comforting.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its bold, aromatic kick.
Heavy cream – Adds the luscious creaminess needed for the parmesan sauce.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated works best for melt-in-your-mouth texture and deep savory flavor.
Linguine pasta – The pasta base that clings perfectly to the sauce.
Salt and pepper – To enhance and balance all the flavors.

Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce 2

How To Make the Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Cajun Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, allowing it to come to a light simmer. Slowly add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 5: Toss and Combine

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss it with the sauce until fully coated. Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Let everything mingle for a minute or two so the flavors marry.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate the pasta and top with extra parmesan, fresh herbs like parsley if desired, and a final pinch of Cajun seasoning for added color and kick.

How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine

This pasta is best served hot, right after the creamy sauce has coated every ribbon of linguine. The chicken will be juicy, the sauce silky, and the flavors at their peak. If you’re serving a crowd, transfer everything to a large serving bowl and garnish with freshly cracked pepper and a bit more parmesan on top.

This recipe comfortably feeds four people as a main course. It can stretch to six if served with a hearty salad or side dish.

For storing leftovers, transfer the pasta and chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk in a pan over low heat to bring back the sauce’s original creamy texture.

What to Serve With Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

Buttery, golden, and crisp garlic bread is the ultimate companion to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crunchy Caesar with crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and shaved parmesan balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

A slightly charred bite of roasted broccoli brings contrast and freshness without overpowering the main dish.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing, light touch.

Sauteed Green Beans

Quickly sautéed green beans with a bit of garlic add a welcome snap and flavor to the plate.

Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Swap traditional fries for oven-baked zucchini with a crunchy parmesan crust to keep things flavorful yet lighter.

Southern-Style Cornbread Poppers

If you’re up for some Southern flair, try pairing this dish with something like our Southern Cornbread Poppers for a spicy, cheesy sidekick.

Creamy Tortellini

For a carb-on-carb indulgence, serve a small side of Creamy Tortellini to double down on comfort.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Linguine hit the spot, you’ll love diving into more of our indulgent pasta dishes. Here are a few of our favorites: