Craving something creamy, spicy, and soul-satisfying without using a million pots and pans? This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce hits every note. The smoky kick of Cajun seasoning pairs perfectly with seared chicken and a silky garlic mozzarella sauce that clings to every strand of linguine.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a cozy weekend gathering, this dish brings the wow factor with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a true one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes and more time enjoying your food. The richness of mozzarella and cream combined with garlicky undertones makes it irresistible.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving in, let’s talk about what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven: Retains heat evenly, essential for searing chicken and reducing the sauce.
Chef’s knife & cutting board: For slicing the chicken breasts cleanly and safely.
Tongs or spatula: Helps with turning the chicken and stirring pasta without breaking it.
Measuring cups & spoons: Ensures your ratios of spice, cream, and cheese are spot on.

These tools streamline your cooking and guarantee everything from browning to simmering happens the way it should.

Ingredients for the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Chicken Breasts: The star protein, seasoned with Cajun spice for a smoky, flavorful bite.
Linguine Pasta: Ideal for capturing creamy sauces thanks to its flat surface.
Heavy Cream: Creates the rich and velvety base for the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretchy, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharpens the flavor and deepens the creamy profile.
Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic depth.
Butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, locking in juices.
Cajun Seasoning: The flavor backbone—smoky, spicy, and bold.
Salt and Pepper: Balances and sharpens the overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a hint of freshness.

How To Make the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Sear the Cajun Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in your skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute. This builds the base flavor for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Base

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes before adding the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until both cheeses melt into a cohesive, thick sauce.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Add the dry linguine directly into the pot. Pour in 2 cups of hot water or chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is luscious, slice the seared chicken and return it to the pot. Toss everything to coat. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Your One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Serve this dish hot straight from the pot for maximum creaminess. Plate the linguine first and top with slices of that golden Cajun chicken. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan takes it over the top.

To store, let everything cool before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Most store-bought blends are moderately spicy. Adjust the amount to your comfort level.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti all work well. Just monitor the liquid and cooking time.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms go great with Cajun chicken and creamy sauces.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free cheeses. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be flavorful.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated. Stir thoroughly during reheating for best results.

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, where creamy meets veggie-packed comfort. Or go for the Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a fun, cheesy spin on chicken pasta.

For a saucy bake, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe—a bold, spicy layered option. If you’re into one-skillet simplicity, the One-Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta might just become your next favorite.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner or pasta boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you use extra cheese? Toss in shrimp or spinach? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others customize it.

For more recipes and daily ideas, visit my Pinterest board at LadyPlate on Pinterest.

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a bold, creamy, flavor-packed dish made entirely in one skillet. Perfect for weeknights or dinner guests, it combines spiced seared chicken with a luscious garlic and mozzarella cream sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Comfort food with a kick—and only one pot to clean.

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Stir in heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

5. Add dry linguine and hot water or broth. Stir to combine.

6. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

7. Slice chicken and return to pot. Toss everything together.

8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.

If sauce thickens too much after sitting, stir in a splash of warm broth when reheating.

Swap mozzarella with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra melt and kick.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: American Cajun Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 recipe)
Calories: 625
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Cajun linguine, one-pot chicken pasta