Picture this: tender, juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly seared and nestled over a bed of linguine smothered in a rich garlic mozzarella sauce. The creamy, cheesy pasta paired with the bold kick of Cajun heat makes this dish a weeknight winner or a dinner party showstopper. It hits all the right notes — comfort, spice, and irresistible decadence.

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is what happens when southern soul meets Italian indulgence. Each bite offers layers of flavor — the smokiness of the Cajun seasoning, the deep garlic undertones, and the gooey, melty mozzarella that brings it all together. It’s not just a pasta dish, it’s a full-on experience.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Bold Cajun Flavor: A smoky, spicy blend that brings the chicken to life.
Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce: Mozzarella makes it stretchy, dreamy, and perfect for coating every strand of linguine.
Comfort Food with Flair: It feels indulgent without being overly heavy, and it satisfies every savory craving.
Customizable Heat: You control the Cajun kick, making it mild or spicy to taste.
Restaurant-Worthy: But made easily in your own kitchen!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish effortlessly, here are the essential tools and why they matter:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Pan: Needed to get that perfect sear on the chicken for a flavorful crust.
Large Pot: For boiling your linguine without clumping. A pasta pot with a built-in strainer is even better.
Chef’s Knife: For slicing your chicken breasts evenly for faster, more uniform cooking.
Whisk: A must for combining the garlic mozzarella sauce so it stays smooth and lump-free.
Tongs: Helps with flipping the chicken and tossing the pasta without breaking the noodles.

Having the right tools makes prep smoother and results tastier, so don’t skip on your kitchen arsenal.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering bold flavor and perfect texture:

Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, lean yet juicy and perfect for soaking up Cajun spices.
Cajun Seasoning: This is where the magic happens. Smoky, spicy, and aromatic.
Linguine Pasta: Its flat, wide shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic builds the base flavor of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds the luscious creaminess needed for the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it thick, cheesy, and indulgent.
Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and develop depth in the sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
Salt and Black Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley: For garnish and a hint of brightness.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For an extra spicy kick.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then generously rub them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Set aside to rest, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add mozzarella cheese in batches, whisking constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Toss the cooked linguine into the garlic mozzarella sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until well-coated.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Top the cheesy linguine with sliced Cajun chicken. Sprinkle chopped parsley and red pepper flakes on top for color and heat. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

This dish is best served fresh out of the skillet while the sauce is hot and the mozzarella is still stretchy. Plate it with a slice of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a full meal. If you’re looking to impress, a drizzle of extra cream and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add flair to the final presentation.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine or spaghetti are great alternatives. Any long pasta that holds sauce well will work.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and toss it right before serving.

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning and whether you use red pepper flakes. You can adjust both to make it as mild or fiery as you like.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms make delicious and colorful additions.

What if I don’t have mozzarella?

You can substitute with Monterey Jack or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a similar creamy melt.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine has you craving more bold, creamy, or cheesy dishes, don’t miss these favorites from the Kitchen By Kate collection:

Try the One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for a garlicky tomato-spinach twist.
Love spice? The Spicy Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet delivers serious heat and comfort.
For a cozy weeknight meal, the Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini brings bold flavor in one skillet.
Craving something tangy? The Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders are perfect alongside creamy pasta.
Or keep it spicy and Southern with the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta — a smoky cousin to this recipe.

Save This Pin For Later

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And when you make it, let me know how it went in the comments. Did you keep it classic or toss in extras like mushrooms or spinach? Did you tone down the spice or crank it up?

I love seeing your creations and hearing how you made it your own. Questions, tips, or spicy tweaks? Share away — we’re building flavor together.

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