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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce


  • Author: Sally Thompson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Craving a bold, creamy dinner idea that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour? This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce blends smoky Cajun-spiced chicken, rich homemade Alfredo, and tender pasta into one indulgent masterpiece. It’s the ultimate easy dinner recipe, great for quick weeknight meals, date nights, or impressive food ideas for guests. Loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and heat, this dish is your new favorite when you want a comforting yet elevated meal. Great as a quick dinner or even a meal-prep option—it hits every note.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon lemon juice

12 oz bowtie pasta

Salted water for boiling

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Chopped parsley for garnish

Extra grated Parmesan for garnish


Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and coat them generously with Cajun seasoning. Let rest at room temperature.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest.

3. In a large pot, boil salted water. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

4. In the same skillet, melt a bit of butter and add minced garlic. Sauté briefly, then stir in honey and lemon juice. Return chicken briefly to glaze, then slice.

5. In a clean saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic, sauté lightly, then add heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and slowly mix in Parmesan and mozzarella.

6. Season Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly over low heat.

7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix well. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

8. Plate pasta, top with sliced chicken, and drizzle with extra garlic glaze. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan.

Notes

For the creamiest sauce, always use freshly grated Parmesan instead of packaged.

Resting the chicken ensures juicier slices and better flavor retention.

If you like extra saucy pasta, double the Alfredo ingredients and save pasta water to adjust consistency.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 710
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 21g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: cheesy pasta, Cajun chicken, easy dinner, bowtie Alfredo, comfort food, spicy creamy pasta