Description
This Indulgent One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine Bliss is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces sautéed in a blend of Cajun spices, simmered in a creamy sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all combined with perfectly cooked linguine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this rich and spicy pasta dish delights with its creamy texture and bold seasonings all prepared effortlessly in one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Sliced into bite-sized pieces)
Pasta
- 12 ounces Linguine (Uncooked)
Spices and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (Adjust spice level according to preference)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
Dairy
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Base for the sauce)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Used for browning chicken)
Liquids
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (For cooking pasta and enhancing sauce)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Used for browning chicken)
Herbs
- ¼ cup Parsley (Fresh, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken breast pieces and sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning. Brown the chicken pieces until they are cooked through and have a nice golden crust, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked linguine, pushing it down gently to submerge it in the broth. Cover the pot and let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Combine Chicken and Cream Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pot with the pasta. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens and coats the pasta and chicken evenly, about 5 more minutes.
- Finish and Garnish: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley if using, to add a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice tolerance.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use less cheese.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pot.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
