Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Fettuccine with Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is a rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly seared Cajun-spiced chicken breasts served over fettuccine tossed in a luscious garlic-infused creamy mozzarella sauce. This recipe combines spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Cajun seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper to ensure a spicy and flavorful crust.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a blackened, crispy exterior. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to retain juices.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned, infusing the base of the sauce with garlic aroma.
- Make the cheese sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted into a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust its consistency by adding some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine noodles directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the noodles with the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce evenly.
- Serve and garnish: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Plate the creamy fettuccine and top with the sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Cajun seasoning if desired for an extra kick of flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor infusion in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to adjust the sauce texture perfectly.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
- For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Add vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
