Dinner

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe

Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use 1.5 tbsp for milder heat); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Byanna orden March 16, 2026March 16, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is a flavorful one-skillet meal featuring tender, golden-seared chicken in a spicy garlic cream sauce topped with melted mozzarella. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a restaurant-quality touch.

The image shows a close-up of a plate of creamy fettuccine pasta topped with pieces of grilled chicken. The pasta is coated in a thick, white sauce with a smooth texture, mixed with bits of green herbs, likely parsley, sprinkled on top. The grilled chicken pieces are golden brown with a slightly charred, crispy skin and are placed on the pasta in an overlapping pattern. The dish is served on a white plate with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz linguine pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (use 1.5 tbsp for milder heat)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth, low-sodium preferred
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1/4 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain and set pasta aside.
Step 2: Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until evenly coated on all sides.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer without crowding. Cook 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Once butter melts, add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant and just golden. Do not brown.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan bottom. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Whisk in Parmesan until smooth. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce needs loosening.
Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained linguine and use tongs to toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 2-3 minutes until cheese is fully melted. Check at 2 minutes to prevent scorching.
Step 8: Top with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Taste your Cajun seasoning before cooking—some blends are saltier than others. Adjust added salt accordingly.
Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from breaking; avoid boiling hard.
For a lighter version, replace half the heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish with three pieces of grilled chicken on top of creamy fettuccine pasta. The chicken pieces have a golden-brown, slightly crispy texture with dark grill marks and small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The fettuccine noodles are thick, coated in a smooth, rich cream sauce with small black pepper flakes and chopped green herbs spread throughout. The creamy sauce has a pale, off-white color, creating a contrast with the browned chicken and bright green herbs. The entire dish is set on a white plate against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, you can substitute linguine with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Start with 1.5 tablespoons for a milder flavor or the full 2 tablespoons for a spicier kick. You can always add less or more to suit your taste.