Description
Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun is a fast, flavor-packed dinner with juicy Cajun chicken, rich garlic cream sauce, and melty mozzarella. It’s a budget-friendly comfort food your family will request again and again.
Ingredients
1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 oz cream cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until just al dente about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Slice and season the chicken
Thinly slice chicken breasts. Season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat every piece.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté garlic and build the sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the remaining butter. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté over low heat until golden and fragrant, about 30–60 seconds.
Step 5: Make the creamy Cajun sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a soft simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, then add mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Whisk slowly until the sauce turns glossy and dreamy.
Step 6: Bring it all together
Add the drained linguine to the skillet. Gently toss with tongs until all the pasta is coated in sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.Top with the sliced chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
Sub Greek yogurt or evaporated milk for a lighter cream base.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, garlic Cajun linguine, mozzarella chicken, one pan chicken pasta