Introduction

This indulgent creamy mozzarella chicken linguine in garlic Cajun butter combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce. The perfect balance of spicy Cajun seasoning and creamy cheese makes this dish a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

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 for 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 lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
Use gluten-free linguine to make this recipe suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level or replace it with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
Adding fresh parsley or basil as a garnish brightens the dish and adds freshness.

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 reserved pasta water to restore sauce creaminess. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent the sauce from separating.

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 a similar melting texture. Adding Parmesan, as in the recipe, enhances flavor but isn’t required.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or until juices run clear. The meat should feel firm but still juicy when pressed.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

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This Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine features tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts served atop a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce made with heavy cream and melted mozzarella. Tossed with perfectly cooked linguine pasta and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish combines bold Cajun flavors with smooth, cheesy indulgence for a comforting yet elevated pasta dinner.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
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, shredded)
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 to remove excess moisture. This helps to achieve a better sear and locks in flavor.
Seasoning: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse them with bold, spicy flavor.
Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
Cooking Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the linguine well.
Building the Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, releasing aromatic garlic flavor into the butter.
Adding Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a luscious base for the sauce.
Melting Cheese: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
Tossing Pasta: Add the drained linguine into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Use reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce and reach your preferred consistency.
Plating: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Serve the chicken either on top of the creamy linguine or mixed into the pasta for easier combining.
Garnishing and Serving: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the dish hot for the most indulgent experience.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance to avoid overpowering the dish.
Using low-moisture mozzarella provides the best melt and texture for the creamy sauce.
Reserve pasta water is important to achieve a silky sauce with perfect consistency.
Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain its juiciness and tenderness.
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Gluten-free linguine can be used to accommodate gluten sensitivity.

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