Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cheese Sauce
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a taste of the South to your dinner table. With tender chunks of seasoned chicken, rich cheeses, and the playful shape of bowtie pasta, this meal is both comforting and delicious. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Why Make This Recipe
Making Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a great choice for many reasons. First, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup easy after a delicious dinner. The combination of spices and creamy cheese sauce offers a unique and exciting flavor. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, meaning you can have dinner on the table in no time. Whether you are a fan of Cajun cuisine or just looking for something tasty, this recipe is perfect for you.
How to Make Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and golden Cajun chicken to the creamy cheese sauce. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, if desired.
How to Serve Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Serve Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta hot from the pan. It makes a great main course paired with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese or some additional Cajun seasoning on top for an extra flavor kick.
How to Store Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
Tips to Make Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
- For more heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the dish for added nutrition.
- Make sure to stir the pasta and sauce well to ensure that every piece is coated in the creamy goodness.
Variation
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or substitute some of the cream with Greek yogurt for added creaminess without all the calories. You can also swap the chicken for shrimp for a different protein option.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
2. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Combine everything just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness depends largely on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste or choose a milder seasoning blend if preferred.
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and satisfying one-pan dish featuring seasoned chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and bowtie pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, bringing to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta and golden Cajun chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
For more heat, increase Cajun seasoning. You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan meal, comfort food