Introduction

This indulgent creamy mozzarella chicken linguine in garlic Cajun butter is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The tender Cajun-seasoned chicken combined with a rich, cheesy sauce creates a delightful meal that’s sure to impress.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
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 and let rest.
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.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt butter, and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
Step 5: Add heavy cream to the skillet, stir, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Gradually stir in shredded mozzarella until completely melted and the mixture is silky.
Step 7: Toss the drained linguine with the sauce, using reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Step 8: Slice the rested chicken and serve on top of or mixed into the pasta.
Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use smoked paprika instead.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but note it will be less thick.
Use gluten-free linguine to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for extra heat.
Fresh parsley or basil adds a nice fresh herb flavor as a garnish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, you can substitute with provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar for a different flavor and texture, but mozzarella melts best to create that silky sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink inside. It should be golden brown on the outside and juicy inside.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 117 reviews

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts served over linguine pasta coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce with melted mozzarella and a hint of Parmesan cheese. This recipe balances smoky, spicy, and cheesy elements to create a satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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

Preparation: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to build the base flavor for the chicken.
Searing the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken develops a golden crust and is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain its juices.
Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for use in the sauce. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
Making the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent browning, until fragrant.
Adding Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Incorporating Cheese: Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and silky. If using, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth.
Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it smooth and clingy to the linguine.
Slicing and Serving Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Arrange the sliced chicken over or mixed into the linguine on serving plates.
Garnishing and Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier dish.
Using low-moisture mozzarella enhances melting and creates a creamier sauce.
Reserve pasta water contains starch that helps emulsify and thicken the sauce for a better texture.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
Gluten-free linguine can be used for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.

Keywords: Mozzarella chicken linguine, creamy pasta, garlic Cajun butter, easy chicken pasta recipe, comforting dinner