Description

This Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, melted mozzarella, and perfectly cooked linguine. The dish is elevated by the blend of spices and creamy textures, making it a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner option.

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 generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to ensure an even coating and flavorful base.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let the chicken rest to retain juices.
Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic and make it bitter.
Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, forming a rich base for the cheese sauce.
Incorporate Cheese: Gradually add shredded mozzarella to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
Toss Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
Serve Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and either mix them into the pasta or arrange them on top for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the dish if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference, as it can vary in heat level.
Use unsalted butter to better control overall saltiness of the dish.
Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Gluten-free linguine works well for those with gluten sensitivities.
Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain moisture and tenderness.
Add fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, mozzarella chicken linguine, garlic butter pasta, Cajun chicken recipe, creamy pasta dinner