Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

Introduction

This Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter offers a flavorful twist on classic pasta. Tender Cajun-spiced chicken is paired with a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce and melted mozzarella, making it an irresistible dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.

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: Bring salted water to a boil in a pot 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 and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Gradually add shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth.
7. Step 7: Toss the drained linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of or mixed into the pasta.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a milder spice blend.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Use gluten-free linguine to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Reserve some chopped parsley to sprinkle on top for a fresh, herbal note.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and provide extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed since thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply reduce the Cajun seasoning amount or use a milder spice blend. You can also omit black pepper if preferred to soften the heat.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 108 reviews

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

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts, a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, and smooth melted mozzarella. Perfectly cooked linguine is tossed in the creamy sauce and topped with sliced chicken, making for a decadent yet comforting meal that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

---

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)

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to build bold flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest, allowing juices to redistribute.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water then drain the pasta.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter and then add minced garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
5. Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich base for the sauce.
6. Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained linguine directly in the skillet with the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency, ensuring every strand is coated.
8. Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly and arrange on top of or mixed into the pasta.
9. Garnish and Finish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve immediately while hot for the best experience.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference to avoid overwhelming heat.
• Using low-moisture mozzarella ensures a creamier melt without excess moisture in the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water is key for achieving the perfect sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps maintain juiciness and tenderness.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less rich.
• Gluten-free linguine can be used if gluten intolerance is a concern.

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

Keywords: Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Garlic Butter Sauce, Creamy Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipes