Name: Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 8 ounces bowtie pasta; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, look no further than this Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce. This dish is a delightful fusion of juicy Cajun-spiced chicken and rich, velvety cheese sauce, all enveloping those charming bowtie pasta shapes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting yet sophisticated. Plus, it can all be whipped up in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

This creamy pasta dish combines robust flavors and easy preparation, ensuring you can serve a restaurant-worthy meal at home without breaking a sweat. Not only is this recipe a crowd-pleaser for the whole family, but it also brings a touch of elegance to any dinner table. With the enticing aroma of Cajun spices and the gooey goodness of melted mozzarella, it’s hard to resist this culinary delight.

Moreover, the balance of the spicy chicken, the comforting pasta, and the luscious cheese sauce guarantees satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal with your loved ones, this dish is sure to impress everyone. Let’s dive into how you can create this savory masterpiece in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken

Flavorful Delight: The Cajun seasoning adds a distinct kick to the chicken, while the creamy cheese sauce balances it perfectly.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for hectic weeknights.
Comfort Food: With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
Easy Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it simple to throw together.
Wholesome Meal: Packed with protein and deliciousness, it satisfies both hunger and taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into cooking, ensuring your kitchen space is organized and ready is essential for a smooth culinary experience. Start by gathering all your ingredients: chicken breasts, Cajun seasoning, olive oil, butter, bowtie pasta, garlic, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate measurements.

You’ll need a large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce and a pot for boiling the pasta. A good-quality cutting board and sharp knife will help you slice the chicken precisely after cooking. Prep your workspace by cleaning your surfaces and arranging your ingredients, so they’re easily accessible. This preparation will allow you to focus on cooking and ensure that everything flows seamlessly.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
8 ounces bowtie pasta
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps in achieving a nice sear. Generously season both sides of the chicken with Cajun seasoning, ensuring that every bit of the chicken is covered. Allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes – this is crucial as it helps the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 5–6 minutes until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve half a cup of pasta water and drain the rest, setting the pasta aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken (don’t clean it, as the leftover bits add flavor), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses

Gradually sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens; the sauce should be smooth and luscious. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Once your sauce is perfect, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. The pasta should be well-covered in delicious cheesiness. Finally, slice the rested chicken into strips and lay it on top of the creamy pasta.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

To add a burst of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley and perhaps a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of your Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken!

Variations

Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or smoked sausage for a different twist.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for unique flavors.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the chicken is properly seasoned for maximum flavor.
Watch the cooking time on the pasta, as overcooking can lead to mushiness.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Tips

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
Using freshly grated cheese enhances the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Don’t discard leftover pasta water! It’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Adjust the cream based on how rich you want the sauce to be; you can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 620 calories per serving
Protein: 38 grams
Sodium: 820 milligrams

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, feel free to swap it with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Just store the pasta and sauce separately to avoid sogginess, then reheat when ready to eat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian option.

How can I make the dish spicier?

Add more Cajun seasoning or include diced jalapeños to the recipe for an extra kick!

Conclusion

This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a satisfying feast. With the ease of preparation and the rich, bold flavors, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. Encourage your friends and family to share their variations or experiences in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to modify the recipe to fit your taste! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite, and bring a little Cajun flair to your dinner table.