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Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Recipe

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4.3 from 48 reviews

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun is a quick and flavorful dinner featuring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken breasts served over tender linguine pasta tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and savory elements that the whole family will love.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz linguine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 oz cream cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  2. Slice and season the chicken: Thinly slice the chicken breasts. In a bowl, toss the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken slices in a single layer and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté garlic and build the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing over low heat for about 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
  5. Make the creamy Cajun sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and creamy.
  6. Bring it all together: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta to coat it thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to be loosened. Arrange the sliced chicken over the pasta and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For a lighter cream base, substitute Greek yogurt or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Enhance the dish by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/creamy-mozzarella-chicken-linguine-in-garlic-cajun-recipe/