Description
Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the South right to your dinner table. This delectable recipe features tender chicken seasoned with zesty Cajun spices, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich cheese sauce that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s an effortless meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its bold flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 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 (farfalle) 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 (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2. Toss chicken with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- 4. Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth.
- 5. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet; mix well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 145mg