Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce: Indulge in Comfort!
By Jason Griffith
Prepare your taste buds for a truly unforgettable culinary experience! This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a masterpiece of comfort food, combining tender, spiced chicken with silky linguine, all coated in a rich, creamy, and cheesy garlic sauce. Finished with a bubbly mozzarella topping, it’s a dish that’s bursting with bold Cajun flavors and irresistible cheesy goodness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you crave a deeply satisfying meal, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge believer that meals should be both comforting and exciting, and this Cajun Chicken Linguine absolutely nails it! What I truly adore is the incredible balance: the fiery kick of Cajun seasoning on the juicy chicken is perfectly mellowed by the luscious, garlicky cream sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that’s utterly addictive. The addition of cream cheese and a double dose of mozzarella ensures an unparalleled creaminess and an incredible cheesy pull. It feels incredibly decadent and sophisticated, yet it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it a fantastic dish for any occasion.
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 pound linguine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for quick cooking, but chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces) can also be used for extra juiciness.
- Cajun Seasoning: The spice level of Cajun seasoning can vary widely between brands. Adjust the quantity to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a lovely smoky depth to the chicken. Regular paprika can be used as a substitute.
- Linguine: Linguine is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce, but you can use other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rotini.
- Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest sauce. 2% milk can be used, but the sauce might be slightly thinner.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality chicken broth for the best flavor base. Vegetable broth can also be used.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Cheese Blend: The combination of mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for saltiness and nutty flavor is key. Feel free to use a blend of Italian cheeses.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: These add a lovely visual appeal and an extra kick of heat if desired.
Directions:
1. Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Cook Linguine: Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain well and set aside.
3. Cook Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet (one that can comfortably hold the pasta later) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Start the Garlic Cream Sauce (Roux): In the same skillet (no need to clean it; the browned bits add flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken your sauce and remove the raw flour taste.
5. Build the Cream Sauce: Gradually whisk in the 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
6. Add Cheeses to Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 8 ounces softened cream cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated, and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and smooth. Season the sauce generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add optional red pepper flakes, if desired, for extra heat.
7. Combine Pasta & Chicken: Add the cooked linguine and the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the luscious Cajun sauce.
8. Prepare for Broiling: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a large oven-safe serving dish or casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
9. Broil (Optional Finish): Preheat your oven broiler. Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
10. Serve: Serve immediately and savor the creamy, cheesy, and boldly Cajun delight!
Tips for Success
- Pound Chicken Evenly: If using thick chicken breasts, pounding them to an even ¾-inch thickness ensures quick and even cooking.
- Whisk Roux Continuously: When adding flour and then liquids, whisk constantly to prevent lumps in your sauce.
- Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta to al dente as it will finish cooking in the hot sauce and during broiling.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers can be intense; keep a close eye on the cheese to prevent burning.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before adding the pasta and chicken, adjusting salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is a hearty and complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed green beans or asparagus could be a nice complement.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay, a light Pinot Noir, or a dry Rosé would pair well with the creamy sauce and Cajun spice.
- For other comforting and flavorful chicken or pasta dishes, check out these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- Cajun Sausage and Shrimp Pasta (for more creamy Cajun pasta goodness!)
- Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Pasta
- Longhorn Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh, this creamy pasta dish can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably, and the pasta may soften.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You will likely need to add a splash of extra milk or chicken broth to re-loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Avoid high heat when reheating.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and the pasta texture may suffer upon thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce is a truly decadent and comforting dish that perfectly blends bold Cajun flavors with rich, cheesy creaminess. It’s an unforgettable meal that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready to savor every luscious, flavorful bite!
What are your favorite ways to incorporate Cajun flavors into pasta, or do you have a go-to comfort food dish with a cheesy finish? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more
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