Mediterranean Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella
This Mediterranean Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine is a rich and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with a luscious, cheesy garlic sauce. The creamy mozzarella and Parmesan create a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the linguine, while the Cajun seasoning adds a gentle kick without overpowering the Mediterranean flavors. It’s a comforting, indulgent dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 lb (450 g) linguine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Cajun seasoning, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
4 tbsp olive oil
4–6 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups whole milk or heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Make the Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the milk (or cream) and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer. Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth. Gradually stir in 1½ cups of the mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan until melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked linguine and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add Final Cheese Layer:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella over the top, cover the skillet briefly to let it melt slightly for a cheesy finish.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips & Variations
Choosing the Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Slice them thinly for faster cooking and better coating with the sauce.
Adjusting the Cajun Spice:
The Cajun seasoning can be mild or spicy depending on your preference. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and taste, adding more if you like extra heat. You can also make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Pasta Tips:
Cook linguine just until al dente; it will continue cooking slightly when tossed with the sauce. Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Sauce Texture:
For a richer, creamier sauce, use heavy cream.
For a lighter version, substitute half milk and half broth.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Cheese Variations:
Mozzarella provides meltiness, while Parmesan adds sharpness. For extra depth, you can also stir in provolone or a touch of feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Garlic Flavor:
Adjust the amount of garlic according to taste. Roasting the garlic beforehand will add a sweeter, milder flavor, while raw sautéed garlic gives a sharper, more pungent taste.
Additional Ingredients:
Add vegetables such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or mushrooms to make it more nutrient-dense.
A squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavors.
Make Ahead:
The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. If the sauce thickens upon cooling, thin it with a bit of milk or pasta water before tossing with pasta.
Serving Tips:
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions to add color and freshness. Garlic bread or a light Mediterranean salad pairs perfectly with this creamy pasta.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
Increase the Cajun seasoning, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce while cooking.
Q: Can I make it lighter or dairy-free?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and mozzarella with vegan alternatives, and use plant-based milk.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Add the cream cheese gradually and whisk continuously over low heat until fully melted. Gradually add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 650
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Calcium: 320 mg
This dish is high in protein and calcium, with a rich creamy sauce balanced by lean chicken. Pairing it with vegetables or a side salad can help round out the meal.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Creamy Cajun Chicken Linguine with Garlic Mozzarella is a flavorful, indulgent pasta dish that combines the warmth of Cajun spices with the creaminess of cheese and garlic. It’s rich, satisfying, and versatile—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for friends and family. With tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and a silky, flavorful sauce, this pasta embodies comfort food with a Mediterranean twist, making every bite both rich and satisfying.