Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet Tonight!

Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this irresistible Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet! This dish is a perfect blend of spicy Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of the bowtie pasta. It’s a quick and easy one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Table of Contents

The allure of creamy pasta dishes is undeniable – the velvety sauce, the tender noodles, and the satisfying protein all come together for a comforting and indulgent meal. And when you add a Cajun twist, you elevate the flavors to a whole new level. The bold spices of Cajun cuisine, like paprika, garlic, and cayenne, provide a delightful kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

To create this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to pack a flavor punch:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

The chicken provides the protein, while the bowtie pasta offers a delightful shape and texture. The Cajun seasoning is the star of the show, infusing the dish with its bold, spicy-yet-savory flavors. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite, and the fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

If you don’t have access to Cajun seasoning, you can easily make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. This will give you a similar flavor profile to the pre-made seasoning blend.

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Preparing this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a breeze, and the end result is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress. Follow these simple steps:

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Add the Cheese and Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
6. Combine the Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top of the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet and serve warm, preferably with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

The key to this dish is to sear the chicken first, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Then, the creamy sauce comes together quickly, and the pasta is tossed in to create a harmonious and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information for Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

One serving of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet provides approximately 580 calories, 35 grams of protein, 46 grams of carbohydrates, and 32 grams of fat. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish, but it’s also important to consider portion size and pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.

The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese in the sauce contribute to the dish’s richness and creaminess, but they also add a significant amount of fat and calories. To make this recipe a bit healthier, you could try substituting the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated milk. Additionally, you could reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or use a lighter version.

Variations of Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

While this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to customize and adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, onions, or spinach along with the garlic to add more color, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
• Use Shrimp or Sausage: Swap out the chicken for shrimp or Andouille sausage for a different protein option.
• Make it a One-Pot Meal: Cook the pasta directly in the skillet with the sauce and chicken, adding a bit of the pasta cooking water to create a creamier consistency.

For those seeking more Cajun-inspired pasta dishes, you could also try a Cajun shrimp alfredo or a Cajun-style jambalaya pasta. The bold flavors of Cajun cuisine pair exceptionally well with creamy sauces and hearty pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make cajun chicken pasta?

To make cajun chicken pasta, you’ll need to season the chicken with a blend of Cajun spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Sear the seasoned chicken in a skillet, then make a creamy sauce with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the same Cajun seasoning. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce and chicken, and you’ve got a delicious and flavorful cajun chicken pasta dish.

What do I need to make creamy chicken pasta?

To make a creamy chicken pasta, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pasta (such as bowtie or penne), heavy cream or half-and-half, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like garlic, salt, and pepper. The key is to sear the chicken, create a creamy sauce with the dairy and cheese, and then toss the cooked pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly.

How to prepare a creamy pasta?

To prepare a creamy pasta, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, make the creamy sauce. This typically involves sautéing garlic, then adding heavy cream or half-and-half and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the creamy sauce, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

How long can creamy chicken pasta stay in the fridge?

Creamy chicken pasta will typically last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. To extend the shelf life, you can store the cooked pasta and the creamy sauce separately, then combine them just before reheating and serving. This will help prevent the sauce from breaking down or becoming watery over time.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Five-Ingredient Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• One-Skillet Creamy Cajun Buffalo Chicken and Bowtie Pasta
• Cheesy Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini Skillet
• Creamy Cajun Steak Bites with Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta

Conclusion

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a creamy Cajun-spiced sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal to impress your guests, this recipe is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in the rich and spicy goodness of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Print