Description
A creamy and flavorful Cajun chicken linguine that brings comfort and warmth to your family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 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 garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until just tender, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until lightly browned and fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes—then transfer to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine and create a smooth base.
- Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and fully blended into the sauce.
- Mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes thick and smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Add the drained linguine to the pan, gently tossing until every strand is coated in the rich sauce. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to settle.
- Finish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and serve warm.
Notes
Consider adding steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for extra nutrition. Shrimp or tofu can be used as a protein alternative for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken, Pasta, Comfort Food, Creamy