Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Make the Sauce Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a bit more heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Add the cooked linguine and cooked chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce.
- Broil: Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add more Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Cheese Variations: You can also use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for the sauce for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
