Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights. Featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with spicy Cajun seasoning, creamy melted cheeses, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish delivers a rich and flavorful meal that’s both comforting and quick to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (or turkey breasts or tofu for lighter option)
Pasta
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (can substitute with penne or farfalle)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil or butter)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (or margarine for dairy-free)
Dairy & Cream
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can use Colby jack or gouda)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or cream cheese for tangy twist)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (or Creole seasoning for a twist)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh is best, garlic powder works too)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (can use cilantro or basil)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and rub them evenly with the Cajun seasoning. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the butter and garlic.
- Add the Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy cheese sauce, making sure all noodles are well coated. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and add them to the pasta. Gently mix everything together to combine flavors.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Cajun chicken bowtie pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with turkey breasts or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, use margarine instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of Cajun seasoning or using Creole seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Fresh garlic is best for taste, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.