One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce

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This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is where bold Southern spice meets rich Italian comfort. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving in a single skillet—spicy, creamy, cheesy, and full of tender, flavorful chicken. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something indulgent without the hassle.

The real star here is the homemade garlic mozzarella sauce, a silky, dreamy mixture that coats the linguine beautifully and clings to the Cajun-seasoned chicken. Pair that with perfectly cooked pasta, a hint of heat, and plenty of garlic, and you’ve got a dinner that might just outshine any restaurant version.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

It’s a weeknight hero that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Everything comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy. The Cajun spice blend gives it a bold kick that pairs incredibly well with the creamy garlic sauce. Plus, mozzarella brings the perfect gooey melt, making every bite rich and satisfying.

This dish also reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or next-day lunches. You can tweak the spice level, add in veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap the chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Linguine works beautifully in this recipe because its flat shape grabs onto the sauce in every bite. That said, you can absolutely use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to use a pasta that holds its shape well and provides enough surface area for the creamy sauce to cling to. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you go with something thicker or thinner than linguine.

Ingredients for the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

For this flavorful pasta dish, each ingredient brings its own magic. From the robust Cajun spices to the silky mozzarella and the richness of cream, every component has a role to play in creating a comforting one-pot meal.

• Linguine
• Chicken breasts
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

The linguine serves as the base and holds the sauce beautifully. Chicken breasts provide lean protein and absorb all the flavors of the dish. Cajun seasoning adds depth and heat, while olive oil and butter give the dish a rich base. Garlic cloves offer aromatics and a kick, balanced by the smoothness of heavy cream. The melted mozzarella brings creamy texture and stretch, and Parmesan cheese adds a nutty saltiness. Chicken broth keeps the dish flavorful and helps cook the pasta right in the pot. Finish with salt and pepper to taste and a touch of fresh parsley for color and a hint of freshness.

How To Make the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked linguine directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Cover and simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. If it starts to dry out, add a splash more broth.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Let them melt completely into the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the sliced Cajun chicken to the pot and toss everything together until coated in the creamy garlic mozzarella sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top and more Parmesan if desired.

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

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but also flexible enough to become a centerpiece for a cozy dinner spread. It comfortably feeds four to five people, making it ideal for family meals or intimate gatherings with friends. Serve it right out of the pot for that warm, just-cooked freshness that makes creamy pastas so irresistible.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture.

What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy on the outside, buttery and garlicky inside, it pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A light veggie side with crispy edges and a touch of lemon juice can cut through the richness of the pasta.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer the perfect contrast to the warm, cheesy pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Quick and simple, grilled asparagus adds an earthy note and visual color pop to your plate.

Sauteed Mushrooms

If you want to double up on umami, buttery mushrooms complement the Cajun flavor profile perfectly.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil with a balsamic glaze brings a refreshing, cold component to the table.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy corn works beautifully with the spiciness of the Cajun blend.

Iced Tea or Sparkling Lemonade

For drinks, a crisp iced tea or lightly tart lemonade balances the richness of the dish while keeping it light.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Southern Twist?

If this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is right up your alley, you’ll want to check out these equally bold and flavorful pasta dishes from the blog:

• Creamy Cajun Linguine with a spicy, rich twist perfect for weeknights.
• Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for those who crave Tex-Mex flair in a bowl.
• Creamy Jamaican Shrimp Rasta Pasta packed with tropical heat and creamy richness.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Linguine if you love zingy citrus paired with savory cheese.
• Cheesy Baked Ziti when you want that classic oven-baked comfort with golden cheese.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add shrimp? Try it with spinach? Did you use a different cheese blend?

I love hearing your twists and tweaks on my recipes. Drop your version below and let’s get the conversation going.

Explore beautifully curated one-pot and Southern-inspired pasta dishes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to comfort food collection: Zoe Recipes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is the kind of recipe that earns a spot in your regular rotation. It’s bold, it’s creamy, it’s a little spicy, and completely comforting. Best of all, it comes together in just one pot, proving that amazing flavor doesn’t have to come with a pile of dirty dishes. It’s a southern-meets-Italian dish that brings everyone to the table hungry and leaves them full and happy.

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