Description
A comforting creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and a flavorful Cajun twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer in the skillet with garlic butter. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and milk until smooth, then slowly pour into the broth, whisking until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the creamy cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, chicken, Cajun twist, comfort food, creamy sauce