Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

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Creamy Cajun chicken bowtie pasta with garlic cheese sauce in a bowl
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. This recipe uses tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit!

Why Make This Recipe

If you love a mix of creamy and spicy flavors, this recipe is for you. It combines the comfort of pasta with the zest of Cajun seasoning, making it a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made in about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Directions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until fully coated.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
  6. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  8. Add 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the chicken to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
  10. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  11. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is melted and bubbly.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, Cajun comfort!

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This dish is best served hot and straight from the oven. You can garnish it with chopped parsley or extra red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to make a complete meal.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or heat it on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Tips to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

  • Feel free to adjust the level of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
  • If you want to add more vegetables, consider throwing in some bell peppers or spinach while making the sauce.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well in the sauce.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. You can also use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein option.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and will add more fiber to the dish.

2. Is this recipe spicy?
The Cajun seasoning gives it a bit of a kick. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or skip the red pepper flakes.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce!

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Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

  • Author: olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: None
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Description

A delightful dish bringing together rich flavors of Cajun spices and a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until fully coated.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
  6. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  7. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  8. Add 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  9. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the chicken to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
  10. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
  11. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is melted and bubbly.
  12. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, Cajun comfort!

Notes

This dish is best served hot and can be garnished with chopped parsley or extra red pepper flakes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: pasta, Cajun chicken, comfort food, creamy pasta, quick dinner

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