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Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a weeknight comfort meal that always hits the spot. The smoky Cajun spices make it bold and exciting, while the creamy cheese sauce cocoons the pasta and chicken in gooey goodness. If you love pasta dinners that feel a little indulgent and totally satisfying, this recipe is for you.
The first time I threw this together, my family scraped their bowls clean and immediately asked for seconds. I now make it for birthdays and cozy Sunday dinners alike.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: choose fresh or well trimmed pieces for tenderness and great absorption of the spices
- Olive oil: helps the Cajun spices stick to the chicken and keeps it juicy
- Cajun seasoning: brings bold heat and smoky flavor
- Smoked paprika: rounds out all the spice with deep earthiness and a smoky undertone
- Salt and pepper: crucial for seasoning each layer
- Garlic and onion powder: balance and bring extra warmth to the dish
- Linguine pasta: the wide surface holds all that creamy sauce so well always cook just until al dente for best texture
- Butter: creates the rich base of the sauce
- Fresh garlic: gives a punchy aromatic lift that shines in every bite
- All purpose flour: thickens the sauce and ensures rich creaminess
- Whole milk: makes the sauce silky avoid skim for best results
- Chicken broth: adds extra savory backbone to the flavors
- Cream cheese: makes the sauce ultra creamy and luscious always use softened for smooth melting
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: pick a block to shred yourself for best melting and gooeyness
- Grated Parmesan cheese: gives a salty sharp edge and helps make the sauce cheesy and thick
- Red pepper flakes: a perfect optional garnish for those who love a spicier finish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces in a large bowl with olive oil Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika ensuring every piece is well coated so the flavors can penetrate while cooking
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil linguine in a large salted pot of water until it is just al dente so it will not overcook once tossed with the sauce drain and set aside tossing with a little oil to prevent sticking
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium high add all the seasoned chicken at once and cook until each side is golden and the pieces are cooked through about eight minutes remove from the skillet so they stay tender
- Make the Garlic Roux:
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium add minced garlic and cook just until it smells fragrant about one minute do not let it brown for best flavor next add flour and keep stirring for one minute forming a pale roux this will help thicken your sauce
- Build the Cream Sauce:
- Begin whisking in the milk a splash at a time stirring out any flour lumps then add the chicken broth continue to whisk until completely combined bring to a gentle simmer to activate the roux
- Melt in the Cheeses:
- Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese letting it melt fully before adding mozzarella and Parmesan stir constantly until you have a rich creamy sauce taste and adjust with salt pepper and red pepper flakes if you like more heat
- Combine Pasta and Chicken:
- Add your drained pasta and reserved chicken directly into the sauce tossing until every strand and piece is enveloped in creamy cheesy goodness
- Finish Under Broiler:
- Transfer everything to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top place under a broiler for just a couple minutes until the cheese is melted bubbling and slightly golden
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I always use a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan since its sharp bite balances the richness perfectly and nobody ever complains there is too much cheese This dish instantly reminds me of my sister and I surprising our parents with homemade pasta on a rainy evening everyone around the table grinning at the first spicy cheesy bites
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy Avoid microwaving at high heat as the cheese sauce may separate
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of linguine fettuccine or penne work just as well Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or full fat Greek yogurt in a pinch If you prefer a lower calorie version use half whole milk and half broth but the sauce will be slightly less rich
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce Steamed broccoli or a simple green salad make easy and fresh sides Sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for those who want extra spice
Cultural context
Cajun chicken pasta is a hybrid classic that brings together the soul of Southern cooking the creamy sauces of Italian traditions and the comforting presence of American weeknight family meals Its bold flavors and crowd pleasing nature are what make it so beloved
Seasonal Adaptations
Add roasted bell peppers or fresh spinach in spring for color and nutrients Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a deeper autumn flavor Swap mozzarella for pepper jack in summer if you want extra kick
Success Stories
A friend made this recipe for her potluck and the dish disappeared before any other Four coworkers have now asked for the recipe and the secret is always starting with quality Cajun seasoning and never skimping on the cheese
Freezer Meal Conversion
Freeze cooled pasta and sauce in a casserole dish tightly wrapped for up to two months Thaw in fridge overnight and bake at 350 until heated through Add a splash of milk and fresh cheese before baking to revive creaminess
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Letting the gooey cheesy sauce envelop the spicy chicken and pasta is pure comfort. This meal turns even a regular weeknight into something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or fettuccine work well in place of linguine for this dish.
- → How spicy is the Cajun flavor?
The spice level is moderate, but you can add or reduce Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to taste.
- → Is it possible to make this with rotisserie chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken after the sauce thickens and heat through before combining with pasta.
- → Can this dish be made ahead?
Prepare and assemble ahead, but broil with extra cheese just before serving for best texture.
- → What can I serve alongside this meal?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly to balance the richness of the pasta.