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Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a flavorful, hearty one-pan meal that combines tender seared chicken breasts with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in a rich, velvety Cajun-spiced cream sauce. The smoky, slightly spicy Cajun seasoning balances beautifully with the creamy Parmesan sauce, making it a comforting and satisfying dinner option that comes together quickly and easily.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Seasoning and Spices

  • 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Fats and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Allow the cream to warm slightly.
  6. Add Parmesan and season: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning if desired.
  7. Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly to ensure it is coated evenly in the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  8. Combine chicken with pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts and return the slices to the skillet with the pasta. Simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious creamy Cajun chicken bowtie pasta skillet.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level; start with less and add more if desired.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce consistency without thinning it out too much.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor results.
  • Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • This recipe can be prepared gluten-free by using gluten-free bowtie pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy Cajun pasta, one skillet pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, spicy creamy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-bowtie-pasta-skillet-recipe-2/