Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

Introduction

This indulgent creamy mozzarella chicken linguine in garlic Cajun butter is a perfect blend of bold spices and rich, comforting flavors. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with a luscious mozzarella cream sauce and tender linguine for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust based on spice tolerance)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Be cautious, Cajun seasoning often contains salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground for better flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Can swap with vegetable oil)
• 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted preferred)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced for best flavor)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (Smooth melting goodness)
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional for additional flavor)
• 8 ounces Linguine Pasta (Gluten-free alternatives work as well)
• 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (For adjusting sauce consistency)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
3. Step 3: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
5. Step 5: Add heavy cream to the skillet, stir, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Step 6: Gradually stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes silky smooth.
7. Step 7: Toss the drained linguine with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
8. Step 8: Slice the rested chicken and serve it on top of or mixed into the pasta.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra smoky heat.
• Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles work well to make this dish gluten-free.
• Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftover creamy mozzarella chicken linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added at the end to warm through. Just be careful not to overcook it in the sauce to keep it tender.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning used. Adjust the amount to your preference or choose a milder blend to keep the heat gentle.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 61 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts served over linguine tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce loaded with melted mozzarella and a hint of Parmesan. This comforting meal combines bold spices with smooth, cheesy goodness for a satisfying dinner perfect for spice lovers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (skinless and boneless)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust based on spice tolerance)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Be cautious, Cajun seasoning often contains salt)
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground for better flavor)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Can swap with vegetable oil)

Sauce

• 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted preferred)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced for best flavor)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream (Or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (Smooth melting goodness)
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional for additional flavor)

Pasta

• 8 ounces Linguine Pasta (Gluten-free alternatives work as well)
• 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (For adjusting sauce consistency)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest to retain juices.
3. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
4. Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to avoid bitterness.
5. Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened to create a rich base for the sauce.
6. Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth and creamy.
7. Toss Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta completely, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
8. Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange on top of or mixed into the creamy linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your preferred spice level.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melting and creamy texture.
• Reserve pasta water to help loosen and emulsify the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Resting the chicken after searing helps keep it juicy and tender.
• Parmesan cheese garnish is optional but adds an extra layer of flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken linguine, cajun chicken pasta, mozzarella pasta recipe, garlic butter sauce, creamy pasta dinner