This creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a dish that will make any dinner feel like a special occasion. With juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tender linguine, and a rich, creamy sauce that's packed with garlic and mozzarella, it's a perfect combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this dish because it’s the ultimate comfort food with a kick! The Cajun seasoning brings just the right amount of heat, while the creamy mozzarella and garlic sauce provide a perfect balance of richness. It’s the kind of meal that’s flavorful enough to impress but easy enough to make any night of the week. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
12 oz linguine
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the drained linguine to the skillet with the sauce, tossing it to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Add the sliced chicken on top of the pasta and stir everything together. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. The total time to make this dish is around 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Variations

Spicy Option: If you like a little extra heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian version.
Different Pasta: While linguine works wonderfully, you can also use fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a slight twist.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, until warmed through.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

To give this dish more heat, simply add extra Cajun seasoning or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when making the sauce. Hot sauce can also be mixed into the sauce to kick up the spice level.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Mozzarella gives the sauce its creamy, stringy texture, but you could substitute it with other cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda for a slightly different flavor. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well!

Can I use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer darker meat or want a slightly juicier texture. Just cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze this dish?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the pasta and sauce (without the chicken) in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with a bit of added cream or milk.

What can I serve this with?

I love serving this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. A light green vegetable, like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach, also complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

This creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a winning dish that combines bold flavors with comforting creaminess. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. I love how versatile it is, allowing for so many variations to suit my preferences, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy making it your own!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine w/ Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

This creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring Cajun-spiced chicken, tender linguine, and a rich garlic mozzarella cream sauce.

Instructions

Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add butter and let it melt, then pour in heavy cream and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in shredded mozzarella and cook until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Meanwhile, cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Slice cooked chicken into thin strips. Add linguine to the sauce and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Top with sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
Swap chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Use any pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne as a substitute for linguine.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
Calories: 620
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 120mg