Craving something creamy, spicy, and irresistibly savory? This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is exactly what you need when comfort food meets bold flavor. Juicy pan-seared chicken coated in Cajun spices pairs perfectly with silky linguine twirled in a rich mozzarella cream sauce.
Whether you’re prepping for a dinner date at home or treating yourself to a soul-satisfying meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss. The garlic Cajun butter base brings the depth, while the mozzarella melts into a luxurious sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. This is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking, make sure your kitchen is armed with the right tools to bring out the best in this creamy dish:
- Cast Iron Skillet or Nonstick Pan: Essential for getting that golden, flavorful crust on the chicken while evenly distributing heat.
- Large Pot: Needed for boiling the linguine to al dente perfection. Make sure it’s spacious enough so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- Tongs & Wooden Spoon: Tongs help flip chicken precisely without losing that sear, while a wooden spoon ensures gentle stirring of the creamy sauce.
- Microplane or Garlic Press: Fresh garlic is the soul of Cajun butter. A press extracts all that garlicky goodness quickly and evenly.
- Measuring Cups & Whisk: Crucial for balancing the cream and cheese sauce. A whisk makes the sauce smooth and lump-free.
Getting your tools ready before you cook makes the entire process faster and more enjoyable. Now let’s move on to what goes inside this indulgent plate.
Ingredients for the Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The star of the dish. Well-seasoned and seared, they provide a juicy protein contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Linguine Pasta: Ideal for absorbing and holding onto the rich sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Adds that gooey, melty finish that makes the sauce smooth and decadent.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the base of the sauce, giving it luscious body and richness.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced or pressed, it infuses the butter with punchy depth.
- Cajun Seasoning: Delivers smoky, spicy complexity to both the chicken and the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Forms the flavor foundation of the garlic Cajun butter sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: A pop of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple essentials that fine-tune all the other flavors.
Each of these ingredients plays a specific role in texture and flavor, helping to build a pasta dish that feels both indulgent and balanced.


How To Make the Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously coat your chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside and let it rest before slicing.
Step 2: Boil the Linguine
In a large pot of salted water, cook linguine until al dente. Drain and reserve about half a cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Prepare Garlic Cajun Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning, stir, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Base
Add shredded mozzarella to the sauce while stirring. Let it melt slowly to avoid clumping. Adjust the thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Toss Pasta and Combine
Toss the cooked linguine into the sauce, coating it evenly. Add sliced chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Plate up immediately while the sauce is silky and warm. Enjoy that creamy, buttery, spicy harmony in every forkful.
Serving and Storing Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine
For maximum flavor, serve this dish straight from the skillet while the sauce is hot and the chicken is juicy. A side of crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad will round it out beautifully.
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce and gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to avoid curdling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for mozzarella?
You can use provolone, fontina, or even Monterey Jack. Just be sure it’s a melty cheese that complements the cream.
Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp takes on Cajun flavors beautifully. Just cook it quickly to avoid rubbery texture.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. For a milder version, reduce the seasoning or use a low-spice blend.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce a few hours in advance. Boil fresh pasta and reheat the sauce gently when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s not ideal due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
Use freshly shredded mozzarella and melt it slowly on low heat. Stir continuously and don’t let the sauce boil.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
You might also enjoy the comforting layers of this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe, bringing heat and cream together in a unique way. For something with a twist, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta might be your next go-to.
Looking for a rich, indulgent option? Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti has that creamy, cheesy finish you crave. And if you’re into sausage pasta dishes, check out Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a deeper savory note.
To stay on the creamy chicken pasta theme, don’t miss the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli – it’s a weeknight favorite.
Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out
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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go spicy or mild? Add a veggie twist? Drop a comment below and let me know!
For more daily recipe inspo, head over to my Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest.


Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A restaurant-style creamy chicken pasta dish with bold Cajun flavor, rich mozzarella cheese, and silky linguine. This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter delivers everything from spice to comfort in one skillet. Perfect for dinner nights when you want indulgence and flavor without the hassle.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
8 oz linguine pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Season the chicken generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside and let rest before slicing.
3. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer gently.
6. Add shredded mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
7. Toss the cooked linguine in the sauce until well-coated.
8. Slice the chicken and place over the pasta. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Let the mozzarella melt slowly on low heat to avoid clumping in the sauce.
If using shrimp instead of chicken, reduce cooking time and season lightly.
Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, mozzarella linguine
