Description
This Easy Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a rich and comforting weeknight meal that combines tender seared chicken breasts with a luscious, cheesy Cajun cream sauce tossed with bowtie pasta. Quick to prepare in about 30 minutes, it offers a flavorful, creamy dinner that’s perfect for cozy evenings, with options for lighter or dairy-free substitutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 pieces Chicken Breasts (or turkey breasts or tofu for lighter option)
Pasta
- 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (can substitute with penne or farfalle)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or avocado oil or butter)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (or margarine for dairy-free)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can use Colby jack or gouda)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or cream cheese for tangy twist)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning (or Creole seasoning for a twist)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh is best, garlic powder works too)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (can use cilantro or basil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub them evenly with the Cajun seasoning. Let them rest for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the pasta and sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, adjust the consistency by slowly adding some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cheese sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Slice and Add Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and add them to the skillet. Gently mix everything together to combine the chicken with the pasta and sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, ideally with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with turkey breasts or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- For a dairy-free version, use margarine instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you prefer a sharper flavor, substitute mozzarella with cream cheese for a tangier twist.
- Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy, smoky flavor or Creole seasoning for a milder taste variation.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to thin the sauce without diluting the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.
