why make this recipe
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of Cajun seasoning and creamy cheese sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and garlic creates a satisfying meal that will please the whole family. Plus, it doesn’t take much time to prepare, making it a great option for busy evenings.
how to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set the chicken aside to rest.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it as per your liking.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and stir to coat it evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken and layer it over the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.
how to serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce
This dish can be served as a hearty main course. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The creamy pasta and savory chicken make it a filling meal that everyone will love. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese or parsley on top for added flavor.
how to store Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce
To store leftovers, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. If the sauce has thickened, you may want to add a bit of milk or pasta water to get the right consistency again.
tips to make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to fit your spice preference.
- Adding some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can enhance the dish and add nutrition.
- If you don’t have bowtie pasta, other types of pasta will work just as well.
variation
For a lighter version, use grilled chicken or turkey instead of fried chicken. You can also substitute heavy cream with a lighter version or use a non-dairy option if preferred.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to make this dish fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and combine them with the pasta when ready to serve.
Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness comes from the Cajun seasoning. You can adjust the amount or use a milder blend if you prefer less heat.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce
A delightful dish combining Cajun seasoning and creamy cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Set the chicken aside to rest.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it as per your liking.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and stir to coat it evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Slice the rested chicken and layer it over the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.
Notes
To store leftovers, place cooled pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat and adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg