If you are craving a comforting yet vibrant meal that comes together in a flash, then this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite dinner go-to. Imagine tender, spice-kissed chicken nestled perfectly alongside al dente linguine, all coated in a luscious garlic-infused mozzarella sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s creamy, it’s packed with flavor, and best of all, it’s all made in one pot, which means less mess and more time to savor every bite with your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building layers of rich flavor, creamy texture, and inviting color, creating a dish that’s both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.
- 2 large chicken breasts, thin-sliced: The star protein, thin-sliced for quick cooking and perfect seasoning absorption.
- 8 oz linguine (half a box): A long pasta that holds the sauce beautifully and gives a lovely bite.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Packs a bold, smoky punch that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creaminess and depth, both for cooking and the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The fragrant heart of the sauce that brightens every bite.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: The creamy base that creates the luscious sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into silky, stretchy goodness, perfect for comfort food cravings.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, umami kick, enhancing overall flavor complexity.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta and adds savory depth.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional): Adds a sweet, tangy contrast and bursts of color.
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley: Freshness and vibrant green color to finish the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance and customize the seasoning.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your thin-sliced chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. This is where the bold soulful flavors kick in. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest—this keeps it juicy and tender for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium, then add the remaining butter to the same pot, letting it melt and mingle with those irresistible browned bits left from the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until it releases that signature fragrant aroma that instantly makes your kitchen feel cozy and inviting. This step builds the foundation for the rich garlic mozzarella sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth directly into the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer — no need for a rolling boil — just enough so the flavors meld together perfectly. Slowly add the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt into a silky, smooth sauce that’s downright irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Linguine
Next, add the dry linguine straight into the pot with the creamy sauce. Stir frequently to keep the pasta from sticking and to allow the linguine to absorb that cheesy garlic goodness. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente. If the mixture starts to get too thick before the pasta is done, don’t hesitate to add a splash more chicken broth to keep things saucy and luscious.
Step 5: Add Final Touches and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an optional pop of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Slice the rested chicken breasts and nestle them back in the pot or arrange on top of each serving for a lovely presentation. Finally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to brighten the dish up with a fresh, herbal note.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate your dish, consider topping it with additional freshly grated parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes also adds a nice touch of heat if you want to dial up the spice. Fresh parsley or even a few basil leaves bring a pop of color and freshness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, making sure nothing delicious goes to waste. Steamed or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli add both nutrition and texture to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, try plating individual portions in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce surrounding the pasta and chicken. You can also garnish each plate with edible flowers for a sophisticated twist. Another fun idea is to serve this dish in small cast-iron skillets at the table, keeping it warm and adding rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, the pasta may absorb some liquid, so it’s normal for the texture to thicken a bit after refrigeration.
Freezing
While you can freeze the One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe, the cream-based sauce may change texture slightly once thawed. If you decide to freeze, portion it out and seal well in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and keep that creamy, luscious texture. Avoid using a microwave if possible to maintain the best flavor and consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While linguine works wonderfully here, fettuccine or penne would also hold the creamy sauce well. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mix of whole milk and cream cheese or use half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less rich and creamy.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate heat level with smoky, robust flavors. If you prefer less spice, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste. You can also look for milder Cajun blends.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a creamy nut milk substitute and replace mozzarella and parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives. The flavor profile will shift a bit, but it can still be delicious.
What’s the best way to make the pasta not stick together?
Stir the pasta frequently during cooking and make sure to have enough liquid in the pot. Adding oil or butter isn’t needed here because the creamy sauce helps keep the pasta smooth and coated.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough making this One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe your next weeknight dinner. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for anyone wanting creamy comfort food without the fuss of tons of pots and pans. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again — trust me, it has that kind of magic!
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One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella Sauce is a flavorful and comforting pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with a rich, creamy garlic sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe uses a single pot to cook the linguine to al dente perfection while infusing it with delicious, savory flavors. Optional sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy burst, and fresh parsley enhances the dish with a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, thin-sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz linguine (half a box)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the thin-sliced chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse them with bold, spicy flavors.
- Heat the Oil and Butter: In a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until hot and shimmering.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned to build the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to start thickening the sauce.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Linguine: Add the dry linguine into the simmering sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente. Add extra chicken broth if necessary to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and the sauce remains creamy.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Season: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes if using, and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Slice and Return Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and either return them to the pot to warm through or serve them on top of the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish for a bright finish and serve the creamy Cajun chicken linguine warm and enjoy!
Notes
- To make this dish spicier, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- The sun-dried tomatoes are optional but add a nice tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking the pasta, gradually add more chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Use a large enough pot to allow the pasta to cook evenly without clumping.
