Description
Spicy meets creamy in this irresistible Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce. Tender seared chicken with bold Cajun seasoning sits atop al dente linguine, coated in a rich garlic-infused mozzarella and Parmesan cheese sauce. Perfect for quick dinners, indulgent weekends, or comfort food cravings, this easy dinner idea is your new go-to for bold flavors and creamy textures. Ideal for anyone looking for food ideas that combine bold spice with cheesy goodness—this recipe hits all the right notes in under an hour.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz linguine pasta
Salt for pasta water
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Fresh parsley chopped
Extra mozzarella or Parmesan
Instructions
1. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 thin cutlets. Pat dry, rub with olive oil, and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rest 10–15 minutes.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F). Remove and keep warm.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 0.25 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, pepper, herbs, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.
5. Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce. Use pasta water to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
6. Slice the chicken and serve over the pasta. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting quality—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect the sauce texture.
Don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking—it helps keep the juices locked in.
Save pasta water before draining—it’s essential for adjusting sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, cajun pasta, easy dinner, garlic mozzarella pasta