This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is a rich, indulgent dish that combines tender, Cajun-spiced chicken with a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce tossed with al dente linguine. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is packed with bold flavors and comes together in just 40 minutes. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 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
• Pinch of 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. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken slices with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
5. Build the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Incorporate the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and Cajun seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Combine: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.
7. Serve: Slice the seared chicken and arrange it over the saucy linguine. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to taste.
• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine is a crowd-pleaser with its bold Cajun spices, creamy garlic sauce, and tender chicken. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!