Description
Craving a spicy, creamy, and soul-satisfying pasta dish? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is your new go-to for an indulgent yet easy dinner idea. Tender, seared Cajun-spiced chicken sits atop a bed of perfectly cooked linguine tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce loaded with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Whether you’re looking for quick comfort food, an easy weeknight dinner, or a new addition to your collection of food ideas, this recipe delivers big flavor without the fuss. Perfect for anyone who loves a touch of heat wrapped in cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces linguine pasta
Salt for boiling water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic minced
1.5 cups heavy cream
1.5 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese
0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
0.25 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra grated Parmesan
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and rub with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Boil linguine in salted water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
4. In a large sauté pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
5. Add heavy cream, oregano, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.
6. Reduce heat and whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan gradually until melted and smooth. Add pasta water as needed.
7. Toss cooked linguine in the sauce until fully coated. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Plate the pasta and top with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked pepper.
Notes
Always simmer the cream sauce—never boil—to keep it smooth and avoid separation.
Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melting texture.
Rest the chicken before slicing to lock in juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, cajun chicken, comfort food, spicy pasta