Description
Looking for a bold, flavor-packed dinner that’s creamy, spicy, and incredibly easy to make? This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour—with just one pan to clean! Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken is seared to perfection, then nestled into a bed of tender linguine coated in a velvety garlic and mozzarella cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate easy dinner idea, perfect for impressing guests or upgrading your weeknight meals. Whether you’re after a quick dinner recipe, a comfort food classic, or new pasta dinner ideas, this one ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 oz linguine
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1.5 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and slice them in half lengthwise to make cutlets. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
5. Add uncooked linguine directly to the liquid. Stir often and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid has reduced.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Slice rested chicken and return it to the pan, allowing it to soak up the sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley, plate, and serve immediately.
Notes
Always use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for the creamiest texture.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to retain juices and keep it tender.
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating leftovers to revive the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: easy dinner, cajun chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy garlic mozzarella sauce, linguine recipes, quick dinner ideas, comfort food