Description
Garlic Cajun Chicken with Cheesy Mozzarella Linguine features tender Cajun-seasoned chicken slices seared to golden perfection, then tossed with linguine in a creamy, garlicky mozzarella sauce. Bold, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 12 ounces linguine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
- ½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, toss chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and garlic to skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream or milk, stirring constantly. Simmer gently (do not boil).
- Add mozzarella cheese gradually, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken and linguine to skillet. Toss to coat in sauce and combine evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice, salt, or pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella for a smooth, non-watery sauce.
- Don’t boil the sauce after adding cream to avoid curdling.
- Thin sliced chicken cooks quickly — avoid overcooking.
- Add sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and color.
- Use fresh shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
