Description
Get ready to fall in love with this bold, creamy, and utterly comforting dish: Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce. It’s a quick dinner idea that tastes like it came from a restaurant—spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic cheese sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas, hearty comfort food, or a new weeknight favorite, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and comes together in under 40 minutes. A top-tier choice for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes with a kick.
Ingredients
8 oz bowtie pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove and rest.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently, stirring often.
6. Add grated cheddar and parmesan (if using) gradually. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. If sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
8. Toss in cooked bowtie pasta and stir to coat in the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes.
9. Slice the rested chicken and layer over the pasta.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Always use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest, silkiest sauce.
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Save a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce texture if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, easy dinner, garlic cheese sauce, chicken pasta, cajun chicken, comfort food