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Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet: Comfort in Minutes

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet brings comfort in minutes with tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a spicy creamy sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken breast Alternative: Boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra moisture.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Bowtie pasta (farfalle) Substitute: Penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Tip: Make your own blend using paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Alternative: Use half-and-half or a mix of cream cheese and milk for a lighter version.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for best results.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh minced for maximum flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Use unsalted to control sodium levels.
  • to taste Salt & pepper Essential seasonings to enhance flavors.
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Alternative: Butter can be used for a rich flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley For garnish, adding freshness and color.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically around 8–10 minutes. Once cooked, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. Season the Chicken: As the pasta cooks, take the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to deglaze the pan. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 2 minutes, thickening slightly.
  6. Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Mix in reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Finish with Chicken: Slice the seared chicken and return it to the skillet with the pasta. Gently simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese as desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 38gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a safe container for up to 3 months.

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