This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful, indulgent dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe brings a touch of Southern spice to a classic pasta dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pound linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, optional, for a spicy kick

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Create the Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
6. Build the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
8. Combine: Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the creamy sauce.
9. Serve: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Make it Spicier: Adjust the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Substitutions: Swap linguine for fettuccine or penne if preferred. Use half-and-half instead of whole milk for a lighter sauce.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Prep Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Servings

• Serves: 4-6

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a perfect blend of bold flavors and comforting creaminess. Try it for your next dinner and let the cheesy, spicy goodness steal the show!