Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta, a delightful dish that unites creamy textures with a zesty kick. This recipe features tender chicken seasoned with a bold Cajun blend, harmoniously paired with bowtie pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to satisfy every palate, making it a favorite for families and friends alike. With quick preparation and customizable ingredients, you can easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables for a personal touch. Dive into this savory experience tonight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant—avoid browning it.
- Whisk in the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and stir in Velveeta and cream cheese. Stir until fully melted. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese; mix until fully combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Return cooked chicken and bowtie pasta to skillet. Gently toss everything together until well coated. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh parsley or chopped chives for an added touch of color and flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 230g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg