Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

nibbleboard.com/recipes/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 Tbsp salt. Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While the water heats, pound chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness. Season generously on both sides with 1½ Tbsp cajun seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and sear without moving for 6-7 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
4. Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes.
5. In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and remaining cajun seasoning. Stir in the parmesan and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Add the sliced chicken and drained linguine to the sauce, tossing until everything is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if the sauce needs thinning. Serve topped with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.

Nutrition per Serving

Chef Tips

• I've found that pounding the chicken to an even thickness is the single biggest thing you can do for juicy, evenly cooked chicken — no more dry edges with a raw center.
• Use freshly grated parmesan from a block, not the pre-shredded kind. Pre-shredded parmesan is coated with anti-clumping starch that makes the sauce gritty instead of silky smooth.
• Reserve that pasta water — the starch in it helps the sauce cling to the linguine. Add it a tablespoon at a time until the consistency is perfect.
• Different cajun seasoning brands vary wildly in heat level. Start with 1 Tbsp if you're cooking for kids, then add more at the sauce stage once you can taste it.
• Leftovers keep beautifully for 4 days. Add a splash of cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to its original creamy consistency.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb some sauce as it sits, which is completely normal.