Description
A comforting Cajun-inspired dish featuring chicken, linguine, and a creamy mozzarella Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until tender yet slightly firm, then drain and set aside.
- Season the thinly sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine while scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to come to a slight simmer.
- Stir in the cubed Velveeta and cream cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), then add lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, gently mixing everything to combine and letting it warm for a minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
Try adding sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option or increase the spice with diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, linguine, creamy pasta, Alfredo sauce, family dinner