Description
Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun is a fast, flavor-packed dinner with juicy Cajun chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and melty mozzarella. It’s a budget-friendly comfort food your family will request again and again.
Ingredients
1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
2. Season the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
6. Add the cooked linguine into the skillet and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
7. Slice the chicken and serve it over the pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy hot.
Notes
Sub Greek yogurt or evaporated milk for a lighter cream base.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic Cajun linguine, mozzarella chicken, one pan chicken pasta