Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is bursting with bold, smoky flavors and a luscious sauce. Perfect for quick, satisfying weeknight dinners!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained bowtie pasta and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional Cajun seasoning if desired. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish, and serve immediately.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and cutting board
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be reheated gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth.
- Swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or fettuccine for a different pasta texture.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount or type of Cajun seasoning used.