Description
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is an irresistibly delicious dinner recipe that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy sauce packed with garlic, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfectly cooked linguine pasta is tossed in this flavorful sauce, creating a comforting and spicy Cajun-inspired meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the linguine according to the package directions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Season the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken breasts in the Cajun seasoning to evenly coat the pieces, ensuring they absorb the spicy flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook them for 5-6 minutes until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Roux: Lower the heat to medium, then add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly into a creamy sauce base.
- Melt the Cheeses: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing them to coat with the cheesy garlic sauce.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained linguine to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top as a garnish and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- To make this vegetarian, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers.
