Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

Introduction

This indulgent creamy mozzarella chicken linguine combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet, 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 slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Gradually stir in shredded mozzarella until completely melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
7. Step 7: Toss the drained linguine with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve 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

• For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• If you prefer milder heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use smoked paprika instead.
• Use gluten-free linguine to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for similar melting qualities. Adding Parmesan enhances flavor but is optional.

Is it okay to cook the chicken separately?

Yes, you can bake or grill the chicken if preferred. Just season well and ensure it’s cooked through before slicing and adding to the pasta.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 52 reviews

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

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Description

This Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring succulent Cajun-spiced chicken breasts, linguine tossed in a velvety garlic Cajun butter sauce blended with heavy cream and melted mozzarella cheese. Enhanced with garlic, butter, and optional Parmesan, this dish balances comforting creaminess with a gentle Cajun kick, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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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 with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a good sear. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to build flavor.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest to retain juices.
3. Cook Linguine: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8–10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta to adjust sauce consistency later.
4. Make Garlic Cajun Butter Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
5. Add Cream and Melt Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly and forms a silky sauce.
6. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency, ensuring the pasta is creamy and well-covered.
7. Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them over or mixed into the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and sprinkle optional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra savory notes. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your spice tolerance to keep the flavor balanced.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but it may reduce richness.
• Reserving pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Allowing chicken to rest post-cooking ensures juiciness and tenderness when serving.
• You can use gluten-free linguine or other preferred pasta varieties as needed.
• Optional garnishing with Parmesan adds a nutty depth but can be omitted for a milder flavor.

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

Keywords: creamy chicken linguine, mozzarella chicken pasta, Cajun pasta recipe, garlic butter pasta, creamy Cajun chicken linguine