Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Bold Cajun spices. Melty mozzarella. Velvety garlic cream sauce. One unforgettable pasta night.

If you’re craving a cozy comfort dish that doesn’t hold back on flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is exactly what you need. It’s got the perfect trifecta: juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, a garlic-packed cheesy sauce, and tender linguine noodles—all brought together in one skillet and finished under the broiler for a gooey, golden cheese topping.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality pasta to your home kitchen without the price tag or the wait. Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or indulgent Sunday meals, it’s a showstopper that’s shockingly easy to make.

Ingredients

You’ll Need

For the Cajun Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Pasta:

1 lb linguine, cooked al dente and drained

For the Creamy Garlic Mozzarella Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted 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 & black pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Cook the Chicken

In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika until well coated.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Shortcut tip: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and toss it with the Cajun seasoning to save time!

Step 2: Boil the Linguine

While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it — those brown bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Whisk in the flour and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a golden roux. This thickens the sauce and gives it a rich base.

Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Then add:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup Parmesan cheese

Stir until completely melted and combined. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra kick.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Chicken

Add the cooked linguine and Cajun chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Pro tip: If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Broil with Cheese

Transfer the pasta to a broiler-safe serving dish or leave it in the skillet (if oven-safe). Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella evenly on top.

Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden-brown edges.

Time to Serve

Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley or extra red pepper flakes. Pair it with:

A crisp Caesar salad
Garlic bread or toasted baguette
A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving — serves 6)

Calories: ~750
Protein: ~40g
Carbs: ~50g
Fat: ~40g
Fiber: ~2g

Want it lighter? Use light cream cheese, reduce mozzarella to 1 cup, and swap whole milk for 2% or unsweetened almond milk.

Variations & Substitutions

Swap the protein: Use shrimp, sliced andouille sausage, or tofu for a twist.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Use different pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or rotini work just as well.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a GF thickener like cornstarch or a GF flour blend.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not freezer-friendly due to the cream cheese and dairy sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is indulgent, bold, and deeply satisfying. The garlicky mozzarella sauce clings to every strand of pasta, while the Cajun-spiced chicken packs flavor in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something rich and soul-warming, this pasta will never disappoint.

Bonus tip: Double the sauce and save some for dipping crusty bread — you’ll thank me later.