Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine has become my go-to for a truly comforting and flavorful meal that always impresses. I love how the tender chicken, coated in a rich garlic Cajun butter sauce, melts into the pasta, all brought together with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel special, and honestly, it’s so simple to pull off. If you’re looking for an easy creamy chicken linguine that delivers big on taste, or a cheesy chicken linguine recipe that will become a family favorite, you’ve found it. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine
This mozzarella chicken pasta recipe is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of Cajun seasoning, garlic butter, and creamy mozzarella creates a taste sensation.
- Quick & Easy Prep: You can have this on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Perfection: It’s the ultimate cheesy chicken linguine recipe for a cozy and satisfying meal.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this rich and creamy chicken and mozzarella pasta dish.
- Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in just one skillet!
- Customizable Spice: Easily adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level.
Ingredients for Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful chicken and mozzarella pasta dish. I always find that having everything prepped makes the cooking process so much smoother!
- 8 oz linguine – your favorite brand works well
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – about 1 to 1.5 lbs total, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning – this is key for that signature flavor!
- 1 teaspoon salt – for seasoning the chicken
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken
- 3 tablespoons butter – the base of our amazing sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy with the garlic!
- 1 cup heavy cream – this makes the sauce wonderfully rich and creamy
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – I recommend shredding your own from a block for the best melt
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – for an extra layer of cheesy goodness
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional) – for a pop of color and freshness
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed) – your secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency
How to Make Creamy Garlic Cajun Chicken Linguine
Learning how to make creamy mozzarella chicken linguine is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps for a delicious meal.
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your 8 oz linguine and cook according to package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the linguine and set it aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken. Pat the 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season them generously on all sides with the 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This seasoning blend is crucial for that authentic flavor.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 5–6 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
- Step 4: Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter and the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for just about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant – be careful not to burn it! This starts building the base for our creamy chicken linguine with garlic butter.
- Step 5: Stir in a small pinch of Cajun seasoning into the garlic butter. Then, pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Step 6: Gradually add the 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. If it seems too thick, now is the time to add a splash of your reserved pasta water.
- Step 7: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce needs loosening, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 8: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can either toss the chicken into the pasta or arrange it neatly on top for a beautiful presentation.
- Step 9: Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and the optional ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and color.
- Step 10: Serve your delicious creamy mozzarella chicken linguine immediately and enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
Pro Tips for the Best Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this mozzarella chicken pasta dish. Following these small steps makes a big difference!
- Always shred your own mozzarella cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy instead of silky smooth.
- Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning. Different brands have varying heat levels, so start with the recommended amount and add more if you like it spicier.
- Make sure you reserve that pasta water! It’s pure liquid gold for achieving the perfect sauce consistency; the starch helps emulsify the sauce and bind it to the linguine.
What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine?
The secret to this best creamy chicken mozzarella pasta is a combination of perfectly seared chicken and a well-emulsified sauce. Using reserved pasta water helps create that luxurious, clingy sauce that coats every strand of linguine beautifully. For more tips on achieving perfect sauce consistency, check out this guide on creamy polenta, which also relies on a similar emulsification technique.
Can I make this Mozzarella Chicken Linguine Bake ahead of time?
While this mozzarella chicken linguine is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and melt the cheese just before serving. As a full bake, it’s best assembled and baked fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with this Cheesy Chicken Linguine?
To avoid common pitfalls with this cheesy chicken linguine, don’t overcook your chicken; it will cook further in the sauce. Also, be gentle when adding the mozzarella and stirring to prevent the sauce from breaking. Always use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Understanding the science behind cooking can help prevent these issues; for instance, learning about how different cooking methods affect protein can be insightful.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella
This rich and satisfying Creamy Chicken Linguine with Mozzarella is a meal in itself, but serving it with a few simple sides truly completes the experience. For a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta, I love pairing it with a crisp, simple mozzarella chicken linguine side salad. A light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness beautifully.
Garlic bread is another classic companion that’s just perfect for soaking up any extra bits of that incredible sauce. Imagine warm, crusty bread dipped into that cheesy goodness – pure bliss! These simple additions make your dinner feel extra special without adding much fuss. If you’re looking for other delicious chicken dishes, you might enjoy this baked lemon rosemary chicken recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine
When I make this creamy mozzarella chicken linguine for my family, I like to have an idea of what we’re eating. Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving for this delicious chicken and mozzarella pasta dish:
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 720
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 780mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your easy cheesy chicken linguine pasta. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s guide to the Nutrition Facts label.
How to Store and Reheat Creamy Chicken Linguine
Even though this creamy chicken linguine with garlic butter is best enjoyed fresh, I know life gets busy! Luckily, storing and reheating this mozzarella chicken linguine dinner recipe is quite straightforward. Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they’ll be good in the freezer for up to 3 months. This makes for super convenient future meals!
When you’re ready to enjoy your stored creamy chicken linguine, you have a couple of easy reheating methods. For refrigerated portions, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy consistency. You can also microwave it; just cover the container loosely to prevent splattering and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator first for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Cheesy Chicken Linguine
Can I make this easy cheesy chicken linguine pasta with gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely! I’ve found that using a good quality gluten-free linguine works wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook them according to their package directions, remembering to reserve that crucial pasta water. The creamy sauce coats the gluten-free noodles just as beautifully, making it a fantastic option for everyone.
What kind of chicken is best for this mozzarella chicken linguine recipe?
For this mozzarella chicken linguine recipe, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook quickly and are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces. However, you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a slightly richer flavor and moister texture. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce.
How do I make this creamy chicken linguine with garlic butter less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to spice or want a milder flavor, you can easily adjust the heat in this creamy chicken linguine with garlic butter. Start with less Cajun seasoning, maybe just 1 tablespoon, and add more to taste. You can also opt for a milder Cajun blend or replace some of the Cajun seasoning with smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper for flavor without the intense heat. For more information on spice levels and pepper types, you might find resources on spicy Cajun honey butter helpful.
Can I add vegetables to this cheesy chicken linguine?
Definitely! This cheesy chicken linguine is very versatile. I often add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the skillet along with the garlic. Broccoli florets that have been lightly steamed or blanched also pair wonderfully. Just toss them in with the linguine and sauce!
Variations of Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine You Can Try
This delicious cheesy chicken linguine recipe is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with different flavors and methods! Here are a few variations you might want to try for your next meal.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine: If you love a bit of heat, amp up the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You could also add some diced bell peppers and onions sautéed with the garlic for a more robust flavor profile.
- Cheesy Garlic Chicken Linguine Bake: For a meal that’s perfect for make-ahead or a comforting bake, assemble the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Gluten-Free Mozzarella Chicken Pasta: Simply swap out the regular linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice, corn, or lentil-based pastas work wonderfully and absorb the creamy sauce just as well.
- Creamy Chicken Linguine with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For a different flavor twist, stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the mozzarella cheese. They add a lovely sweet and tangy chewiness that complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine: 1 Amazing Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful linguine dish featuring tender chicken breast coated in a rich garlic Cajun butter sauce, all brought together with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 oz linguine
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook linguine until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in a pinch of Cajun seasoning, then pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Add shredded mozzarella, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Toss in cooked linguine. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Slice chicken and place on top of the pasta or mix it through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For the smoothest sauce, use freshly shredded mozzarella—not the pre-shredded kind.
- Adjust Cajun spice level based on your preference—some blends are spicier than others.
- Reserve pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles—don’t forget it!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 145mg