Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner that brings together comfort and flavor in just one pot. This delicious dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, spicy cream sauce infused with robust Cajun spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Season the chicken: Coat chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Lower heat and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute before adding heavy cream.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss in pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce; use reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Return chicken: Slice seared chicken and return it to the skillet; simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish & serve: Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 140mg