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
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika. Toss until fully coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
- 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.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- 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.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the chicken to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is melted and bubbly.
- 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