Garlic Cajun Chicken with Cheesy Mozzarella Linguine

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Intermediate
Intensity: Medium

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🌟 Introduction

If you’re craving comfort food with a kick, this Garlic Cajun Chicken with Cheesy Mozzarella Linguine is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying — the kind of meal that tastes like a restaurant dish but comes together easily in your own kitchen.

Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, locking in flavor and tenderness, then paired with rich, garlicky linguine coated in a creamy mozzarella sauce. The result is a mouthwatering harmony of spicy, savory, and creamy — balanced perfectly for weeknight indulgence or weekend dining.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress guests, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal stress.

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🍗 Ingredients

🌶️ For the Cajun Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (about 1 lb / 450 g total)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon butter (for searing)

🍝 For the Cheesy Mozzarella Linguine:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine pasta

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

• 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🧈 Equipment:

• Large skillet or frying pan

• Medium saucepan

• Pasta pot

• Tongs and whisk

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⏱️ Time and Intensity Breakdown

Total Active Time: ~35 minutes
Total Recipe Time: ~45 minutes
Overall Intensity: Medium — some multitasking required but simple for intermediate cooks.

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🥣 Directions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut each breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.

In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.

💡 Tip: If you like extra heat, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the spice blend.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets in a single layer.

Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet, cover loosely with foil, and set aside to rest. Don’t wipe out the skillet — you’ll use those flavorful bits for the sauce.

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Step 3: Boil the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 9–10 minutes).

Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 4: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant — don’t let it brown.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps.

Next, add the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Lower the heat, then gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired.

💡 Tip: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water.

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Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked linguine directly into the sauce. Toss well to coat every strand in cheesy, garlicky goodness.

Slice the rested Cajun chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This rich, creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic bread or sourdough toast for dipping into the sauce.

• A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a touch of green.

• A chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or extra cheese just before serving.

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🧊 Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not ideal (the cream sauce may separate), but can be frozen for up to 1 month in a pinch.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

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⚖️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

🩵 Nutrition Note:
This dish is rich and hearty, packed with protein from chicken and dairy. For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or use whole-wheat linguine for added fiber.

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🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Flavor Balance:
   Spicy Cajun seasoning, roasted garlic, and creamy mozzarella blend beautifully into every bite.

2. Restaurant-Quality at Home:
   A fancy-looking pasta that’s simple enough for a weeknight.

3. Customizable:
   Adjust the spice level or add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.

4. Comfort in Every Forkful:
   The sauce clings perfectly to the linguine, and the juicy chicken makes it complete.

5. Crowd-Pleaser:
   Great for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep for the week.

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🧀 Variations

1. Cajun Shrimp Linguine:
   Replace chicken with shrimp (cook 2–3 minutes per side) for a seafood twist.

2. Spicy Alfredo Version:
   Add extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.

3. Veggie-Packed Option:
   Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach before adding the sauce.

4. Low-Carb Alternative:
   Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of linguine.

5. Extra Cheesy:
   Add ½ cup more mozzarella for a gooey, stretchy sauce.

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💡 Expert Tips

• Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic won’t deliver the same rich aroma.

• Don’t overcook chicken: Remove it once it reaches 165°F (74°C) to keep it juicy.

• Melt cheese slowly: Add mozzarella gradually on low heat to prevent clumping.

• Save pasta water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.

• Season in layers: Taste and adjust salt, spice, and creaminess as you go.

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🧾 Summary

Recipe Name: Garlic Cajun Chicken with Cheesy Mozzarella Linguine
Total Time: 45 minutes
Intensity: Medium
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Nutrition: 620 kcal | 45 g protein | 45 g carbs | 27 g fat
Storage: 3 days refrigerated

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🍴 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Cajun Chicken with Cheesy Mozzarella Linguine is a dream come true for anyone who loves a little spice, a lot of cheese, and a plate full of comfort. The Cajun seasoning brings smoky heat that perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella sauce, while the linguine ties everything together in a silky, decadent embrace.