Description
Enjoy a creamy, flavorful one-pot Cajun chicken linguine that combines tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious cheese sauce infused with Cajun spices. This 30-minute dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, featuring a smoky crunch from bacon bits and a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (Juicy and tender)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning (For seasoning the chicken)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (For searing the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (For a rich base)
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (For a creamy sauce)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated)
- 8 ounces Linguine Pasta (Ideal for holding the sauce)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (For moisture)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup Bacon Bits (For smoky crunch)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning and let them marinate for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a pot over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the pot and let them rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Melt the Cheeses: Whisk in shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese until they melt completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Cook the Linguine: Add the uncooked linguine pasta to the simmering sauce. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: Slice the rested chicken breasts and stir them along with the bacon bits into the pasta and sauce. Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Cajun chicken linguine.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using freshly shredded cheeses melts better for a creamier sauce compared to pre-shredded.
- If you prefer a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking in the sauce to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free pasta if needed.
