🍝 Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce
Bold, cheesy, and irresistibly creamy — this dish brings the heat of Cajun spice and the comfort of rich garlic mozzarella sauce into one unforgettable pasta dinner.
If you’re craving something cozy with a kick, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine checks all the boxes:
✅ Tender chicken with Cajun flair
✅ Silky mozzarella garlic cream sauce
✅ Broiled cheesy topping for that bubbly finish
📋 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb linguine
For the Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
🔥 Directions
1. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned chicken for 6–8 minutes or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Garlic Roux
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Whisk in flour and stir constantly for another minute to create a golden roux.
5. Build the Cream Sauce
Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted. Add 1½ cups mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Toss It All Together
Add cooked linguine and chicken to the sauce. Toss until every strand is coated in creamy, cheesy Cajun goodness.
7. Finish Under the Broiler
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or oven-safe skillet. Top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella.
Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
🍽️ Serve & Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Pair with a crisp salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
⏱️ Quick Facts:
- Prep + Cook Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~750 per serving
💡 Pro Tips:
- Want it spicier? Use extra red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the cream.
- No linguine? Fettuccine or penne works beautifully too.
- Leftovers? Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
