Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter

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I still remember the first time I made this Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter. It was one of those spontaneous dinner experiments that turned into a family favorite overnight. I was craving something rich and comforting, with just the right amount of kick—and this dish delivered. Imagine tender chicken breast seared to golden perfection, nestled into a bed of linguine soaked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, all wrapped in velvety melted mozzarella. It’s indulgent, bold, and ridiculously satisfying.

The Cajun spices bring a smoky warmth that dances beautifully with the cream and garlic, while the mozzarella adds that dreamy stretch and creaminess that turns every bite into pure comfort. If you’re looking for a dish that feels both indulgent and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this one will blow you away. It’s also one of those meals that tastes like it took hours, but comes together surprisingly fast—which, honestly, is my kind of cooking.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter

This recipe is a total flavor bomb. You get the savory depth from the Cajun seasoning, creamy silkiness from the mozzarella, and that irresistible aroma of garlic butter coating every strand of pasta. It’s versatile enough to impress dinner guests, but simple enough for a quiet night in. Plus, it only needs one pan for the sauce and a pot for the pasta—minimal cleanup, maximum payoff.

Whether you’re a spice-lover or just want a creamy, hearty pasta dish to add to your rotation, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine?

Linguine is my go-to for this recipe because its flat, slightly thick shape holds onto the creamy Cajun garlic butter sauce beautifully. It strikes the right balance between thickness and tenderness, letting the mozzarella cling to every bite. But if you don’t have linguine on hand, don’t stress—you’ve got options.

Fettuccine is a solid substitute and brings a slightly wider surface that pairs well with creamy sauces. Spaghetti works in a pinch too, although it doesn’t hold the sauce quite as well. For a lighter feel, try angel hair—but be careful not to overcook it. And if you’re gluten-free, swap in your favorite GF pasta. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle a rich sauce without falling apart.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what’s in your kitchen or dietary preferences:

• Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breast, but thighs work beautifully too for a juicier, more flavorful bite. You could even use shrimp for a seafood twist or leave the meat out entirely and add mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella gives you those dreamy cheese pulls, but shredded low-moisture mozzarella melts more evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, burrata adds an extra level of creaminess.
• Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its richness, but half-and-half works if you want something lighter. You could also try coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative with a hint of sweetness.
• Cajun Seasoning: You can buy Cajun seasoning pre-made, or mix your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and herbs. Adjust the heat to your liking.
• Butter: Salted or unsalted both work; just taste and adjust your seasoning accordingly. For a healthier twist, olive oil can be used, but you’ll lose a bit of that buttery richness.
• Pasta: As mentioned earlier, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne can be used if linguine isn’t available.

This recipe is forgiving—don’t be afraid to play with it and make it your own.

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Ingredients for This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter

• Linguine
  This pasta provides the perfect surface area for the creamy Cajun garlic butter sauce to cling to. It’s hearty enough to stand up to the richness of the dish without getting lost.
• Chicken Breast
  Boneless, skinless chicken breast is lean and tender, and it sears beautifully with the Cajun seasoning, creating a flavorful golden crust.
• Cajun Seasoning
  This is the flavor backbone—smoky, spicy, and bold. It infuses the chicken and the sauce with a deep, warming heat.
• Garlic
  Fresh minced garlic sautéed in butter creates the aromatic base of the sauce and infuses every bite with richness and depth.
• Butter
  Melted butter combines with the garlic and Cajun spices to create a silky, flavorful coating for both the chicken and the pasta.
• Heavy Cream
  This adds the lush creaminess that binds the sauce together. It softens the spice and makes everything irresistibly smooth.
• Mozzarella Cheese
  Shredded mozzarella melts right into the sauce, adding creaminess and that signature cheesy pull in every bite.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional)
  For a touch of sharpness and umami, grated Parmesan can be stirred in or sprinkled on top before serving.
• Salt and Black Pepper
  These help balance the flavors—just enough to bring everything into harmony.
• Olive Oil
  Used for searing the chicken to give it a crisp, golden edge without burning the butter.
• Fresh Parsley (optional)
  Adds a touch of freshness and color to contrast the creamy richness of the dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Linguine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat them generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Cajun Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant—about 1 minute. Sprinkle in a little more Cajun seasoning for extra depth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss well to coat each strand in the sauce. Slice the rested chicken and arrange it on top or mix it through the pasta, depending on your preference. Garnish with chopped parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.

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Step 6: Serve Hot

Plate the creamy mozzarella chicken linguine immediately while it’s hot and melty. Serve with extra cheese or a pinch of Cajun spice on top if you like a little extra kick.

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How Long to Cook the Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter

The total cook time is about 30–35 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight meal with a restaurant-quality feel.

• Pasta: 8–10 minutes (depending on the brand and thickness).
• Chicken: 10–12 minutes to sear and cook through.
• Sauce: 8–10 minutes, including melting the butter, garlic sauté, and incorporating cream and cheese.
• Assembly: 2–3 minutes to toss everything together and garnish.

You can shave off a few minutes by multitasking—cook the pasta while you sear the chicken, and prep your sauce ingredients in advance for a smooth flow.

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Tips for Perfect Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine

• Use freshly grated mozzarella instead of pre-shredded. It melts more smoothly without clumping, thanks to the absence of anti-caking agents.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Aim for golden-brown sear and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Salt your pasta water generously. It’s your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
• Stir the sauce constantly once the cream and cheese go in to prevent sticking or scorching on the bottom.
• Reserve pasta water. A splash of it can loosen the sauce and help it cling better to the noodles.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. Some blends are spicier than others. Start light and build up if needed.
• Add veggies for texture. Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers work well without overpowering the dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using pre-cooked or thin chicken cuts: Thin cutlets can overcook quickly and become dry. Stick to regular boneless chicken breasts or thighs for best texture.
• Skipping the seasoning on chicken: The Cajun seasoning needs to be applied generously. It’s the main flavor driver—don’t be shy with it.
• Adding cheese before the cream is hot: The cheese can clump if added too early. Always let the cream warm up first, then slowly stir in the cheese to melt smoothly.
• Neglecting to deglaze the pan: After searing the chicken, those browned bits stuck to the pan are packed with flavor. Let the butter and garlic lift them into the sauce.
• Overcooking the pasta: Al dente pasta is essential—it will finish cooking slightly in the sauce, and overcooked pasta will go mushy quickly in creamy sauces.
• Not tasting before serving: Every batch of Cajun seasoning is different in spice and saltiness. Taste and adjust before plating.

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What to Serve With Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter?

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—this side cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Warm Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up every last bit of the creamy Cajun sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A light, peppery salad with citrus dressing balances the heavy cream in the pasta.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

The crispness of these wines complements the richness of the dish without overpowering it.

Caprese Skewers

Fresh tomato, basil, and mozzarella on skewers make a cool, refreshing starter or side.

Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic and Lemon

Adds crunch and brightness to the plate without competing for attention.

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms in a light garlic butter sauce echo the flavors in the pasta and add a fun texture twist.

Cucumber and Dill Yogurt Salad

Especially good if you want something cool and tangy to contrast the heat of the Cajun spices.

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Storage Instructions

If you end up with leftovers (though that’s a big if), this dish stores well and reheats beautifully with a few simple tricks:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but a splash of milk or cream while reheating brings it back to life.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, though the texture of the cream and cheese may change slightly. If you do, portion it into airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
• Reheating Tip: Always reheat slowly over low to medium heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or separating. Add a little liquid (milk, cream, or broth) to loosen the sauce as needed.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total, including pasta and sauce):

• Calories: ~720
• Protein: 41g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: ~780mg
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on exact ingredient brands and quantities used. You can lighten the dish by using less cheese, swapping heavy cream for half-and-half, or using whole grain or legume-based pasta.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No problem! You can make a quick homemade version with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the cayenne to your spice preference.

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Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to add it at the end just to warm it through. You won’t get the same depth of flavor as searing raw, seasoned chicken, but it still works if you’re in a pinch.

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Is there a way to make this dish less rich?

Definitely. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and reduce the mozzarella slightly. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to lighten things up.

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Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the components—cook the pasta and sear the chicken—then store them separately. Assemble and reheat with the sauce just before serving for the freshest taste.

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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may cause the cheese sauce to split.

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Is this recipe spicy?

It has a warm kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can control the heat by adjusting how much Cajun seasoning (or cayenne) you use.

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Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free (some brands add fillers).

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Can I add vegetables to this?

Absolutely. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions that complement the creamy Cajun flavor beautifully.

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Conclusion

Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine in Garlic Cajun Butter is one of those meals that feels luxurious but is incredibly doable on a weeknight. It brings together bold Cajun spices, juicy seared chicken, velvety cheese, and garlic-kissed butter in a way that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving guests or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish is comforting, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor. Keep it simple or dress it up with extras—either way, you’re in for a serious comfort food win.

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