Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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If your idea of dinner heaven includes bold Cajun spice, golden grilled chicken, and creamy, cheesy pasta, then this recipe is going to light up your taste buds. Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is not only comforting, it’s the perfect fusion of spice and richness. The tender linguine is smothered in a velvety garlic mozzarella sauce that pulls beautifully with every forkful, while the chicken offers a charred, smoky contrast that makes the entire dish unforgettable.

Perfect for weeknight indulgence or impressing guests on the weekend, this recipe comes together faster than you’d think. It brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with ingredients you likely already have. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad, and dinner is served with flair.


What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well for this dish. Breasts offer a leaner bite, while thighs are juicier and more forgiving when grilled. Whichever you choose, make sure to generously coat them with Cajun seasoning for that signature spicy kick.


Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

  • Linguine Pasta – A long, flat noodle that holds the creamy sauce exceptionally well.
  • Boneless Chicken Breasts – Grilled to perfection with a bold Cajun rub.
  • Mozzarella Cheese – Melted into the sauce for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull.
  • Heavy Cream – The rich base that makes the sauce smooth and luscious.
  • Butter – Adds flavor and helps sauté the garlic to golden perfection.
  • Garlic – Freshly minced for an aromatic foundation.
  • Cajun Seasoning – The spicy soul of this dish.
  • Parsley – Fresh or dried, it adds a pop of green and a hint of brightness.
  • Salt & Black Pepper – Essential to balance and enhance the flavors.
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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. Remove and let rest.

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden—about 1–2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese slowly, allowing it to melt and blend into a silky sauce. Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch more Cajun seasoning to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce and mix until fully coated. Let it simmer for another minute so the pasta absorbs some of the creamy goodness.

Step 6: Slice Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested Cajun chicken into strips and serve it over the creamy linguine. Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of extra mozzarella if you love it cheesy.


How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

This dish is best served hot right after assembling. The gooey cheese and silky sauce are most enjoyable fresh off the stove. Pair it with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a light Caesar salad for a balanced meal.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed. It’s not freezer-friendly due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate when thawed.


Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of linguine?

Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne all work well. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they hold up under the creamy sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken can be sliced and added at the end. Just warm it up in the sauce before serving.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to the cream and cheese?

You can try using unsweetened coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream, and swap mozzarella for a dairy-free meltable cheese. Flavor may vary slightly.

How spicy is Cajun seasoning?

Most store-bought Cajun blends are mildly spicy. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can cut it with a bit of smoked paprika or add less to the chicken.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce separately, but wait to combine with pasta until just before serving to preserve the texture.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy richness beautifully without overpowering the Cajun spice.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine, check out these other bold and satisfying pasta recipes:


Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with mozzarella or experiment with other cheeses? Did you add a side dish that blew your mind?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better, bolder meals.

For more daily comfort food inspiration, follow along on my Pinterest at Life with Nina.


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Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired

Description

This creamy Cajun chicken linguine is loaded with flavor—juicy Cajun-spiced grilled chicken over a bed of tender linguine tossed in a rich, garlicky mozzarella cream sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight indulgence or guest-worthy dish!


Ingredients

Scale

12 oz linguine pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and charred. Set aside to rest.

3. Cook linguine in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

4. In a separate large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in mozzarella slowly until melted and smooth.

6. Season sauce with salt, black pepper, and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired.

7. Toss cooked linguine in the sauce until fully coated. Let simmer for 1 minute.

8. Slice rested chicken into strips. Plate over the sauced linguine.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.


Notes

Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and texture—pre-shredded cheese has added starch that affects smoothness.

For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce or use extra Cajun seasoning.

Let the chicken rest before slicing—it locks in juices and keeps it tender.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Mozzarella Linguine, Spicy Chicken Pasta

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