Name: One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 8 oz linguine pasta; 1 ½ tbsp Cajun seasoning; 4 cloves minced garlic; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

A comforting and spicy twist on a classic pasta dish, this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It starts with juicy, seasoned chicken simmered in Cajun spices, paired with tender linguine that soaks up all the rich flavor. Then comes the magic touch: a silky garlic mozzarella sauce that wraps everything in creamy, cheesy goodness.

Perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty without fuss, this one-pot wonder saves on dishes and maximizes flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner night, this dish brings bold Southern flair and creamy satisfaction to your table.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

One-pot convenience: Less cleanup, more enjoyment.
Flavor-packed: Cajun spice gives it a punch while the garlic mozzarella sauce mellows and balances the heat.
Family favorite: It’s cheesy, creamy, and filling.
Customizable: Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a twist.
Ready in 30 minutes: Quick without sacrificing flavor.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, set yourself up for success with the right tools and prep:

Essential Tools:

Large Deep Skillet or Dutch Oven – Crucial for one-pot cooking to ensure everything cooks evenly and stays creamy without burning.
Sharp Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping the chicken and garlic.
Tongs or Silicone Spatula – Ideal for turning chicken without tearing it.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accuracy in seasoning and liquids.
Grater – Freshly grated mozzarella melts better and gives you the gooey texture we want.

Ingredients for the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Chicken breast – The main protein, it soaks up all the Cajun flavor while staying tender.
Linguine pasta – Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
Cajun seasoning – Adds bold, spicy Southern flavor throughout the dish.
Minced garlic – Enhances the sauce with a deep, savory aroma.
Heavy cream – Forms the luxurious base of the sauce.
Chicken broth – Helps cook the pasta and infuse extra flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy comfort.
Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a sharp, nutty finish.
Butter – Helps start the sauce and brown the chicken.
Olive oil – For searing and flavor.
Salt & black pepper – Basic seasoning to balance flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional) – A fresh touch for garnish.

How To Make the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a little more butter if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This forms the aromatic base of your sauce.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in uncooked linguine and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to simmer and let the pasta cook until tender, stirring occasionally (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Once pasta is tender, add shredded mozzarella and stir until melted and creamy. Add a bit of Parmesan if desired for an extra cheesy bite.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Top with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Cajun Chicken Linguine

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet, with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella or Parmesan on top. A crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes the perfect side.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.

This dish is not freezer-friendly due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but chicken thighs also work well and add extra juiciness.

Can I use a different pasta type?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rotini are good alternatives if you don’t have linguine.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium Cajun heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning for a milder version or add red pepper flakes for more heat.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions and cook easily in the same pot.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Is it okay to prep this in advance?

You can cook the chicken ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, start from step 2 and reheat the chicken when combining everything.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine, you’re going to enjoy exploring these other savory pasta recipes:

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta — for another one-skillet wonder.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta — packed with smoky sausage flavor and Cajun kick.
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta — a creamy, sun-dried tomato spin on classic comfort.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti — ooey-gooey and baked to perfection.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce — creamy, garlicky and weeknight-friendly.

Save This Pin For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use extra mozzarella or play with spice levels? Maybe you added spinach or swapped in shrimp?

I love hearing how you all customize my recipes. And if you’re craving more comforting meals like this, check out my Pinterest board for daily updates from the Kitchen By Kate: https://www.pinterest.com/Americanrecipesbyheart/