Name: Indulgent Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (skinless and boneless); 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (Adjust based on spice tolerance); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Be cautious, Cajun seasoning often contains salt); 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground for better flavor); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (Can swap with vegetable oil); 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted preferred); 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced for best flavor); 1 cup Heavy Cream (Or half-and-half for a lighter option); 1 cup Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cheese (Smooth melting goodness); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Optional for additional flavor); 8 ounces Linguine Pasta (Gluten-free alternatives work as well); 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water (For adjusting sauce consistency)

Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust based on spice tolerance)

1/2 teaspoon salt (be cautious, Cajun seasoning often contains salt)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for better flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil (can swap with vegetable oil)

4 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)

3 cloves garlic (fresh minced for best flavor)

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese (smooth melting goodness)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for additional flavor)

8 ounces linguine pasta (gluten-free alternatives work as well)

1 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.

Step 3: In a pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown it.

Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream, stir well, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and the sauce is silky smooth.

Step 7: Toss the drained linguine into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your preferred consistency.

Step 8: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve on top of or mixed into the pasta.

Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning for a deeper smoky flavor.

Use gluten-free linguine to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Fresh parsley or basil makes a lovely garnish and adds a fresh note to the rich sauce.

To make it spicier, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking time according to the package directions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free butter, plant-based cream alternatives, and vegan mozzarella cheese. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ from the original.