Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s outrageously creamy, just the right amount of spicy, and loaded with rich cheesy goodness, Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is about to become your new favorite weeknight treat. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken mingles with perfectly tender linguine, all decadently coated in a silky garlic mozzarella sauce that’s so good you’ll want to lick the plate. Each bite brings a little heat, loads of creamy comfort, and that irresistible pull of gooey mozzarella—trust me, you’ll be dreaming of this dish long after you’ve scraped your bowl clean.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep things delightfully simple! These ingredients may seem everyday, but each plays a vital role—bringing bold flavors, swoon-worthy texture, and plenty of color to your Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce. Gather them up and you’re halfway to pasta bliss.
- Linguine Pasta (12 oz): The best base, as it perfectly cradles all that luscious sauce in every bite.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2, sliced into strips): Lean, tender, and the ideal protein partner for Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun Seasoning (1 tablespoon): The magic behind the smoky-spicy kick; use more or less for your preferred heat level.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures your chicken gets a gorgeously golden sear and adds richness.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): A must-have for deep aromatic flavor that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a rich, velvety base and helps blend flavors smoothly.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): The thickener that transforms everything into that dreamy creaminess.
- Whole Milk (2 cups): For the sauce’s smooth, blank canvas—don’t skip the full-fat version for extra taste.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The secret to unmatched silkiness and that decadent mouthfeel.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 1/2 cups): The star for gooey, stretchy, cheesy sauce you’ll swoon over.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty-savory punch that balances the creamy elements perfectly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the flavors; taste before adding more.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just a hint of warmth without overpowering the Cajun vibes.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herby contrast that also pops visually.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle for a little extra heat and a festive look.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your linguine. Cook just until al dente—you want a little bite left since the pasta will soak up that amazing sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining, just in case you want to loosen the sauce later!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, slice your chicken breasts into thin, even strips. Toss them with the Cajun seasoning so every piece gets a bold, spicy hug. If you have time, let it sit for a few minutes; this lets the flavors sink in beautifully.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken strips in a single layer—don’t crowd them! Sear for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning until they’re deeply golden on the outside and juicy inside. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate for later.
Step 4: Build the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add butter and the minced garlic (be ready for incredible aromas!). Sauté for just about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to make a pale roux—this is what gives your Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce its signature silkiness.
Step 5: Add Milk, Cream, and Melt the Cheeses
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently, whisking often, until it thickens up (about 3 to 4 minutes). Once your sauce looks luscious, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt down into a smooth, stretchy dream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet, then add the drained linguine. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every strand is lavishly coated in that garlicky mozzarella bliss. If things look too thick, splash in a bit of your reserved pasta water until it’s just perfect.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Shower your Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce with chopped parsley, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you want a little more sass. Serve right away while it’s still gloriously hot and oozy—it’s pasta night perfection!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Garnishes
Never underestimate the power of a good garnish! A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds that welcome pop of green and a hint of brightness, while red pepper flakes give a finishing kick and a dash of color. For special occasions, a few shavings of extra Parmesan make everything taste and look restaurant-fancy.
Side Dishes
Balance out the bold flavors of your Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce with easy sides. Think garlicky sautéed green beans, a fresh tossed salad with lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to swipe up every last bit of cheesy sauce left in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, swirl the linguine into elegant nests with tongs and top each with sliced Cajun chicken. Or, serve in a big rustic bowl for cozy, family-style sharing. For extra flair, pop everything under the broiler for a minute to brown the top and get some irresistible cheesy bubbles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any extra Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up beautifully for up to three days and makes an incredibly satisfying lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
This recipe does freeze, although creamy sauces can sometimes separate. For best results, cool the pasta completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently rewarm the pasta on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir occasionally as it heats, and, if you like, top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra mozzarella before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine creates the perfect base for the sauce to cling to, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne all work wonderfully. Just adjust cook time according to the package instructions.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you crave extra heat, simply add more Cajun seasoning or a hefty pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. A splash of hot sauce stirred in at the end is another quick way to dial up the spice!
Is this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute the chicken with something else?
Definitely! Shrimp is a fantastic swap—just toss it with the Cajun seasoning and sauté until pink and tender. Sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables are delicious options for a vegetarian take.
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
The magic trick: save a cup of your pasta cooking water! If the sauce thickens too much while you’re tossing the pasta and chicken together, just add a splash or two until it’s velvety and smooth again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for next-level comfort food, don’t wait another day to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce. The rich garlic-kissed sauce, spicy chicken, and perfectly twirled noodles are so worth a spot in your weekly rotation. Dive in—you deserve every cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken linguine dish with a luscious garlic mozzarella sauce. This recipe combines tender linguine pasta with seasoned chicken strips in a rich, cheesy sauce that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Cajun Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Optional red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Boil linguine pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: Season and cook chicken strips until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour, then whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, then add cheeses.
- Combine and Garnish: Return chicken to skillet, add linguine, toss in sauce, and garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp for the chicken or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg