Description
Indulgent Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken breast served atop perfectly cooked bowtie pasta coated in a rich, creamy mozzarella sauce. This recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements, making it an easy yet impressive meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 breasts Chicken Breast
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp Cajun Seasoning
Oils & Butters
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
Dairy
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
Produce
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (optional garnish)
Pasta
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Evenly coat the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning and let them rest for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor penetration.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to keep the juices locked in.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and stir gently.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it well with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the creamy pasta. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level.
- To make the sauce thinner, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain moisture and tenderness.
- Use freshly minced garlic for a more intense and fresh flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
