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Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

This Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is a rich and flavorful pasta dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a luscious garlic-infused creamy mozzarella sauce. Perfectly cooked linguine is tossed in a velvety sauce made from butter, fresh garlic, heavy cream, and melted mozzarella, creating a comforting meal that balances spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors.

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

  1. Preparation: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to infuse flavor.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest to retain its juices.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguine and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  4. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet used for chicken, lower heat to medium. Melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to bring out the garlic’s flavor.
  5. Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the mixture gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly and absorb the garlic flavor.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce turns silky and smooth.
  7. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency to your liking.
  8. Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Arrange the chicken on top of or mixed into the creamy linguine. Optionally sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
  9. Final Touch: Serve the dish hot immediately to enjoy the creamy, spicy, and cheesy flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level according to preference.
  • For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
  • Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best melting and smooth texture in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain juiciness and tenderness.
  • Gluten-free linguine can be used to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising texture.

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

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