Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

👉Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 lb linguine pasta

4 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic (minced)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup chicken broth

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat)

👉Directions:

✅️1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until well coated.

✅️2. Cook Pasta: Boil linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside.

✅️3. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken until golden and fully cooked (6–8 mins). Set aside.

✅️4. Make Garlic Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

✅️5. Thicken Sauce: Whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Slowly add milk and chicken broth. Bring to simmer.

✅️6. Add Cheeses: Lower heat, stir in cream cheese, 1½ cups mozzarella, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).

✅️7. Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss well to coat.

✅️8. Finish Under Broiler: Transfer to a baking dish. Top with remaining ½ cup mozzarella. Broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly.

✅️9. Serve Hot: Plate and enjoy the creamy Cajun goodness.

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: ~750 per serving

🔥 3 Cooking Tips:

🔹️1. For Extra Flavor: Marinate the chicken in the Cajun seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.

🔹️2. Smoother Sauce: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps when melting.

🔹️3. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercook the linguine (al dente) so it doesn’t get mushy after mixing with the sauce.