Description

A rich and creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine infused with spicy garlic Cajun butter, perfect for a comforting yet indulgent dinner. Tender seared chicken breasts are complemented by a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, mozzarella, and garlic, tossed with perfectly cooked linguine pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

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 to ensure a good sear.
Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on both sides for a flavorful crust.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
Cook the Linguine: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Prepare Garlic Cajun Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Melt the Cheese: Gradually add shredded mozzarella into the skillet, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This creates a silky, creamy sauce.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked linguine into the skillet and toss with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly.
Slice and Add Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and place them on top of or gently mix into the pasta.
Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve the dish hot for the best indulgent experience.

Notes

Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity based on your spice tolerance to avoid overpowering heat.
If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
Using unsalted butter allows better control over the dish’s saltiness, especially since Cajun seasoning can contain salt.
Reserve pasta water is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency and silkiness.
Gluten-free linguine can be used as a substitute for a gluten-free meal option.
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

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

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