Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 pound linguine; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (plus more for sauce); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a comfort food dream with a spicy Southern twist. The tender linguine wraps around juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, and every strand is drenched in a rich, cheesy garlic mozzarella sauce. It’s bold, it’s creamy, and it’s the kind of meal that leaves your family begging for seconds.

This dish combines the heartiness of a Southern favorite with the elegance of a pasta night classic. The Cajun spices bring a gentle heat, while the mozzarella and garlic sauce cool things off with its mellow, buttery finish. Whether you’re serving guests or just shaking up your weeknight dinner routine, this one-skillet wonder delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce, a few kitchen essentials will help you move efficiently and cook to perfection:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where the magic happens. A wide pan ensures the chicken sears evenly and the sauce simmers beautifully without crowding.
Stockpot: For boiling the linguine. Make sure it’s big enough for the pasta to move freely so it doesn’t clump.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Helps flip and mix without breaking the pasta or tearing the chicken.

Microplane or Garlic Press: Ensures finely minced garlic that melds smoothly into the sauce without chunks.
Whisk: To bring the sauce together into a silky consistency, especially when incorporating cheese.

These tools streamline the cooking process and enhance each step—from browning the chicken to melting the cheese into that luscious, garlicky sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose—flavor, texture, or creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Linguine: The long, flat noodles hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful.
Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin for quick cooking and ideal absorption of Cajun spices.

Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show, delivering smoky heat and depth.
Olive Oil & Butter: A dynamic duo for searing chicken and building the base of the sauce.
Garlic (freshly minced): Adds aromatic warmth and a savory kick to the sauce.

Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that rich and luxurious texture.
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Melts into the cream to create a stretchy, cheesy coating.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a touch of saltiness and umami if you like a sharper finish.

Salt & Black Pepper: To balance and enhance the overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Coat thinly sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, then set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, boil a pot of salted water. Cook the linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, add more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in mozzarella (and Parmesan if using) until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked linguine and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

This pasta dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. The mozzarella sauce is at its peak creaminess when warm, and the Cajun spices are most aromatic fresh off the stove. Serve it family-style in a large bowl or plate it individually for a restaurant-style experience.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. The microwave works too but stir halfway to ensure even heating.

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make your own using a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Can I substitute chicken with shrimp?

Absolutely. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with Cajun spice and creamy sauces. Just be sure not to overcook them.

What type of mozzarella should I use?

Use low-moisture, shredded mozzarella for the best melt. Fresh mozzarella can be too watery for this type of sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce components a day ahead, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and assemble before serving.

Is it spicy?

It has a mild to moderate kick, depending on your Cajun seasoning. Adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make delicious additions and cook well in the same skillet.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce, here are a few more pasta favorites from Life With Olivia you should definitely try:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for rich, savory comfort.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta if you’re craving extra veggie goodness.
One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for something bold and beefy.
Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta for tangy, spicy lovers.

Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a hearty, cheesy classic.

Save This Recipe for Later

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try extra cheese? Maybe added shrimp or veggies?

I love seeing how others make these dishes their own. Questions, tweaks, or rave reviews—bring them on! Let’s make dinner even better, together.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce brings together spicy, savory, and creamy in one incredible skillet dinner. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken is paired with perfectly cooked linguine and tossed in a rich garlic and mozzarella cream sauce. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes weekday dinners feel like a special occasion.

Instructions

1. Season the sliced chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Meanwhile, bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

4. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt an additional tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

6. Gradually whisk in the mozzarella and Parmesan (if using) until melted and the sauce is smooth.

7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained linguine and gently toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

8. Taste and season with salt and black pepper.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.