Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

why make this recipe

This dish brings bold Cajun spice, garlic, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce together. It cooks quickly and fills the kitchen with good smells. You get a warm, creamy pasta with tender chicken that works for weeknights or guests.

introduction

Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce mixes spicy chicken with a silky cheese sauce and long linguine. It feels fancy but is simple to make. If you like pasta with bold flavors, this recipe fits well. For another easy chicken pasta idea, try Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine.

how to make Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Ingredients :

• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
• A sprinkle of Cajun seasoning (for garnish)

Directions :

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until creamy. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Toss linguine in the creamy sauce until fully coated. Return chicken strips to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
5. Plate pasta with Cajun chicken on top. Sprinkle with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a dash of Cajun seasoning.

how to serve Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Serve hot on warm plates. Add chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top. A green salad or steamed veggies make a nice side. For a lighter meal idea, you can pair it with a simple grilled chicken salad too.

how to store Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat in a pan, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but texture may change.

tips to make Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

• Dry the chicken well so it browns nicely.
• Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper little by little.
• Use reserved pasta water to fix sauce thickness.
• For milder heat, skip the red pepper flakes.
• If you want more herbs, finish with chopped parsley or chives. If you want another chicken idea, try the Grilled Chicken Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing for a light side or another meal.

variation (if any)

• Swap chicken for shrimp. Cook shrimp fast until pink.
• Add bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for more veg.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to cut fat.
• Stir in a splash of white wine when you add the cream for extra depth.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well.

Q: Can I make this less spicy?
A: Yes. Reduce or skip the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Q: How do I reheat without drying the chicken?
A: Reheat slowly on low heat and add a little milk or water to the sauce to keep it creamy.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, store separately, and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

Q: Is it okay to use frozen cooked chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw and warm it gently in the sauce so it does not overcook.

Conclusion

Want another creamy Cajun pasta take? See this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Plain Chicken for more ideas: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta – Plain Chicken.

Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

This dish brings bold Cajun spice, garlic, and a rich mozzarella cream sauce together for a warm, creamy pasta with tender chicken, perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips Dry the chicken well for better browning.
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust for spice preference.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• to taste Salt & black pepper

For the Pasta

• 12 oz linguine pasta Can substitute with other pasta types.
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella Can use part-skim to cut fat.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water Use if needed to loosen sauce.
• A sprinkle Cajun seasoning for garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Cooking

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
2. Pour in heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until smooth.
3. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until creamy. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Toss linguine in the creamy sauce until fully coated. Return chicken strips to the skillet, folding them gently into the pasta.
5. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

Serving

1. Plate pasta with Cajun chicken on top. Sprinkle with parsley, extra Parmesan, and a dash of Cajun seasoning.

Notes

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat in a pan, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months, but texture may change.
Dry the chicken well for browning, and taste sauce to adjust seasoning.