The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Love bold, spicy dinners with easy cleanup? This Cajun chicken and linguine is a one-pan wonder full of flavor!
You get juicy, spicy chicken with tender noodles in a creamy Cajun sauce. It’s smoky, rich, and a little bit spicy.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, quick comfort food, or when you want a little heat. One pan. Big flavor.
Grab your skillet and some pasta—let’s cook up this Cajun magic today!
Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine in One Pan Wonder
This Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine recipe is all about bold flavor, easy cleanup, and total comfort. You get tender chicken, creamy linguine, and a smoky Cajun kick—all made in one single pan. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels fancy but only takes basic ingredients and one pan to pull off.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Less mess, less cleanup. Everything cooks in a single skillet.
- Big Flavor, Easy Prep: The Cajun seasoning does all the heavy lifting—no complicated steps.
- Creamy but Light: Optional cream and broth balance richness without feeling heavy.
- Customizable Heat: Add more or less spice depending on who’s coming to dinner.
- Great for Leftovers: Stays tasty even when reheated.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: About 50–55 minutes
Servings: Makes 4 hearty portions
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly, but satisfying for any home cook
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Colander
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring the dish together (see exact measurements in the recipe card):
- Linguine Pasta – classic flat pasta that holds the sauce beautifully
- Olive Oil – helps sear the chicken and build flavor
- Chicken Breasts – boneless, skinless, sliced into thin strips
- Cajun Seasoning – smoky, spicy, and earthy all in one
- Garlic – minced for a sharp aromatic base
- Paprika – boosts the smoky warmth
- Salt and Black Pepper – for balance
- Chicken Broth – adds moisture and depth
- Heavy Cream (optional) – for a rich, velvety sauce
- Grated Parmesan (optional) – salty, cheesy finish
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes (optional) – adds sweet-tart bursts
- Bell Peppers (optional) – for color and crunch
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – if you like extra heat
- Fresh Parsley or Green Onions – for garnish and freshness
Variations for Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine
- Swap the Protein: Try shrimp, sausage, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini cook well in the sauce.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of cream and skip the cheese.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free linguine and check your Cajun seasoning label.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
How to Make Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat evenly and set aside while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Don’t let it brown.
4. Deglaze and Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. These bits hold a lot of flavor.
5. Add Pasta and Simmer
Break the linguine in half if needed to fit in the pan. Add it directly into the broth. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash more broth or water to help it cook evenly.
6. Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add Back the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken (plus any juices) to the skillet. Add sun-dried tomatoes and sliced bell peppers, if using. Warm everything together for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
8. Finish and Garnish
Remove from heat. Top with chopped parsley or green onions. Add red pepper flakes if you want extra kick.
How to Serve Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine
This is a complete one-pan meal, but here are a few ways to serve it up:
- With Garlic Bread: Soak up that creamy Cajun sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Try a crisp romaine or arugula salad to balance the richness.
- As a Meal Prep Bowl: Portion into containers for lunch the next day.
Storing Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: The creamy sauce may separate when frozen and reheated, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Cut Chicken Evenly: This helps every piece cook at the same speed and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep an eye on it as it simmers; al dente is the goal.
- Control the Heat: Start mild with Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, then add more later if you want.
- Layer the Flavor: Browning the chicken first creates flavor depth in the sauce.
- Stir Often: Stir pasta every few minutes while it cooks to prevent sticking or burning.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
Spicy Cajun Chicken And Linguine In One Pan Wonder
Course: pasta recipesServings
4
servingsPrep time
20
minutesCooking time
30
minutesCalories
550
kcalIngredients
8 oz linguine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
Red pepper flakes, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until done. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add chicken broth. Scrape the bottom to release any bits.
- Add pasta. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to the pan with sun-dried tomatoes and peppers. Heat through.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions. Serve hot.
Cajun Chicken Linguine FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Slice and warm it in the sauce during the final step to avoid overcooking.
What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
Try blackened seasoning or a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a richer texture, try half-and-half.
Conclusion
This Spicy Cajun Chicken and Linguine is a warm, filling, and flavor-packed meal that’s ready in under an hour and only dirties one pan. Whether you want a bold weeknight dinner or an easy way to impress guests, this dish has you covered. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll want to add this to your regular meal rotation.
