Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Indulge in the mouthwatering Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish that brings together creamy textures and bold Cajun flavors. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The tender chicken, coated in zesty Cajun seasoning, pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also offers the ultimate comfort food experience. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss chicken cubes with olive oil and seasonings.
- Sauté chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux; then gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Lower heat and mix in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted; then add mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce; adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg