Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta?
If you’ve ever craved a dinner that feels like restaurant-quality comfort food made right in your kitchen, then Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is your new go-to. Packed with bold Cajun spices, creamy indulgent sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this 30-minute dish turns any weeknight into a celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sauté chicken pieces until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies & Garlic
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté diced red bell pepper for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in both cheeses until melted and smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken.
5. Combine & Serve
Add chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Variations
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist
- Swap cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce
- Add spinach or mushrooms for more veggies
Cooking Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on heat preference
- Use freshly grated cheese for best meltability
- Let the sauce simmer before adding pasta for full thickness
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. Pair it with a cold lemonade or white wine to balance the spice.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber
- Replace heavy cream with cashew cream or evaporated milk
- Skip mozzarella to reduce fat content
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken – it gets dry fast
- Using pre-shredded cheese – it doesn’t melt well
- Adding cream too early – it may curdle
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the definition of flavor-packed comfort food. Easy enough for a weekday but tasty enough for entertaining, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Ready to spice up your pasta game?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
How spicy is this recipe?
Moderate. You can adjust Cajun spice to suit your taste.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers up to 2 months.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a rich, spicy, and comforting Southern-style dish loaded with tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a velvety cheese sauce coating every bite of farfalle pasta.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
½ cup grated parmesan
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add diced red bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes.
6. Add the cheeses (mozzarella and parmesan), stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce.
8. Simmer for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute chicken with shrimp or use plant-based chicken for a vegetarian option.
Adjust the Cajun spice level to your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg