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