Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce: A Spicy, Cheesy Delight

Craving a pasta dish that’s bold, creamy, and bursting with flavor? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a perfect blend of spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, silky linguine, and a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests at your next gathering. This recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a standout in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s dive into this fiery, cheesy masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a must-try for pasta enthusiasts, offering:

• Bold and Spicy: Cajun seasoning brings a zesty kick, balanced by a creamy sauce.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes for a fuss-free, restaurant-quality meal.
• Cheesy Comfort: A luscious mozzarella and Parmesan sauce that’s pure indulgence.
• Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.
• Shareable: Ideal for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your vibrant dish.

This dish is a flavorful, comforting addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 and is prepared in a large skillet. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 lb linguine pasta

For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges (for a bright finish)

Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Serving dish

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a creamy, spicy linguine dish that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. In a mixing bowl, toss 1 lb chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper until evenly coated.

Step 2: Cook the Linguine

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb linguine and cook according to package instructions (about 9-11 minutes) until al dente.
2. Drain in a colander, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
2. Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring to prevent burning.
3. Sprinkle ¼ cup all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in 8 oz softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked linguine and chicken to the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
2. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the top for a melty finish.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley, green onions, extra Parmesan, or lemon wedges for a bright touch.
4. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Date Night: Serve with a glass of Chardonnay or iced tea for a special touch.
• Family Gathering: Present family-style with roasted vegetables for a crowd-pleaser.
• Meal Prep: Divide into portions for easy, flavorful lunches throughout the week.

Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce has you craving more bold American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger, Oreo Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle, and Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, Onion, and Cucumber, all designed for busy cooks who love vibrant flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!

Customization Options

• Protein Swap: Use shrimp, andouille sausage, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or Gouda for different flavors.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free linguine and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach with the garlic.
• Spice Control: Reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor or add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
• Freezer: Freeze the sauce and chicken (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toss with freshly cooked linguine.
• Reheating Tip: Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep Ahead: Season and chop chicken, mince garlic, and prep veggies up to 1 day in advance; store separately in the fridge.
• Partial Prep: Make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead; refrigerate and combine with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
• Pasta Tip: Cook linguine fresh for the best texture, or store cooked pasta with a drizzle of olive oil for up to 1 day.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 650-700 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Why This Recipe Shines

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold, comforting dish that blends spicy Cajun flavors with a rich, cheesy sauce, perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant taste and creamy texture make it ideal for sharing on social media, just like the indulgent recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!

Tips for Success

• Even Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
• Smooth Roux: Whisk flour thoroughly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
• Al Dente Pasta: Cook linguine just until al dente to prevent mushiness.
• Fresh Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning or spice level as needed.

Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community

Share your Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more bold American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.

Enjoy your spicy, creamy linguine delight!