Description
Looking for a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dinner idea that feels restaurant-worthy yet easy to make at home? This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce delivers bold flavor, tender seared chicken, and rich cheese-loaded pasta all in one. Perfect for busy nights when you still want something comforting and indulgent, this quick dinner recipe is ideal for lovers of easy pasta recipes, bold flavors, and weeknight comfort food. Whether you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed win.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz bowtie pasta
Water for boiling
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk warm
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Extra Parmesan (optional garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken dry and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream.
6. Once the sauce begins to thicken, reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Season with paprika (optional), salt, and pepper. Add pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
8. Stir in the cooked pasta, coating thoroughly. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
9. Top with sliced Cajun chicken and garnish with parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce thickens too much when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: <0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, cajun chicken, easy dinner, comfort food, spicy pasta