Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a delightful comfort dish that brings together tender chicken, zesty Cajun spices, and a creamy cheese sauce enveloping bowtie pasta. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through; set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Whisk in flour to create a roux; gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened.
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted; then mix in mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce; add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg