Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a great balance of spicy, creamy, and savory flavors. The Cajun-spiced chicken offers just the right amount of heat, while the garlic mozzarella sauce is luxuriously creamy with a rich, cheesy taste that coats the pasta perfectly. The addition of Parmesan gives it an extra layer of umami, and the red pepper flakes (if you like heat) bring it all together. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more with every bite.

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 pound linguine pasta
4 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken broth
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Prepare the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir to form a roux. Cook for another minute, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add the liquids: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Incorporate the cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the sauce and whisk until completely melted and smooth. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Combine the chicken and pasta: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, stirring to combine. Then, add the cooked linguine pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian option: Skip the chicken and replace it with sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.
Add spice: If you love extra heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Different cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can swap it for provolone, cheddar, or fontina cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. Be sure to check your chicken broth and other ingredients for gluten.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze the pasta and sauce for up to 1 month. Be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this dish. They’re slightly more flavorful and tender, though they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While the sauce is best made fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and toss it with the cooked pasta and chicken.

Is the recipe very spicy?

The level of spice is moderate due to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with a little extra mozzarella or a mild cheese like ricotta. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Add them in along with the chicken or sauté them separately and mix them in.

How can I make this dish less creamy?

If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream cheese and mozzarella, or substitute part of the milk with chicken broth.

How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to thin it out and achieve your desired consistency.

Can I make this dish in advance?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store the components separately and then combine and heat them with the pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make this dish without Cajun seasoning?

Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can leave out the Cajun seasoning and use a mix of Italian herbs, smoked paprika, or just garlic and onion powder for seasoning.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that combines bold flavors with a rich, creamy texture. The Cajun-spiced chicken and cheesy garlic sauce create a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to be a hit, leaving everyone asking for seconds.