Introduction

Indulge in this creamy mozzarella chicken linguine, rich with garlic Cajun butter and melting cheese. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress with minimal effort.

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 version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use part milk and increase thickening time slightly.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to control the spice level or use smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
Gluten-free pasta works great in this dish if you need a gluten-free option.
Adding fresh chopped parsley or basil enhances freshness and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a mild cheddar for a different flavor. Adding Parmesan cheese adds sharpness and depth.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Reduce or omit the Cajun seasoning or substitute with paprika and garlic powder for flavor without heat.

Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

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4.4 from 478 reviews

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine, featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts seared to perfection and served over linguine pasta tossed in a luscious garlic Cajun butter cream sauce with melted mozzarella and a hint of Parmesan. This comforting dish beautifully balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements for a satisfying meal.

Author: Cleo
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 and season them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to ensure even flavor distribution.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
Cook Linguine: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
Prepare Sauce Base: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, creating a rich base.
Melt Cheese: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until fully melted and silky smooth.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained linguine into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Combine and Serve: Serve the sliced chicken over or mixed into the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this indulgent creamy mozzarella chicken linguine with garlic Cajun butter sauce.

Notes

Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melting and creamy consistency in the sauce.
To make the dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting the sauce’s thickness and helping it cling to the pasta.
Freshly minced garlic provides optimal flavor over pre-minced or powdered garlic.
For a gluten-free version, substitute linguine with gluten-free pasta options.

Keywords: Creamy Mozzarella Chicken, Cajun Chicken Linguine, Garlic Butter Pasta, Mozzarella Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe