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

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.