Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the richness of creamy sauce with the bold flavors of Cajun spices. Every bite is a delicious explosion of creamy, spicy, and savory notes, making this recipe perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. With its eye-catching bowtie pasta and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish not only tastes great but also looks fantastic on the plate.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 550
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

Why Make This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Making Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is an excellent choice for those seeking comfort food with a twist. It’s simple enough for a busy weekday meal yet impressive enough for a dinner party. The use of chicken breast offers lean protein, while the heavy cream brings a rich, velvety texture that hugs the pasta beautifully. The Cajun seasoning adds a punch of flavor that will excite your taste buds, making every mouthful delightful. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, meaning minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy!

How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring to reserve a tablespoon of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sautéing the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has a nice golden color, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Mixing in Vegetables

Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, soaking up those delicious spices.

Step 4: Creating the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. If it gets too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Finishing with Pasta

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavor as desired.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Enjoy this comforting dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple garden salad and crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It also works well alongside white wine for a cozy dinner or a family gathering. For added flair, serve it with a side of garlic bread or steamed vegetables.

How to Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid freezing the dish, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

• Use fresh Cajun seasoning or prepare your own blend for the best flavor.
• Feel free to swap out the chicken breast for shrimp or sausage for a different protein.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking.
• Enhance the dish with seasonal vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and color.

Delicious Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a delightful seafood variation.
• Cheesy Spin: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese towards the end for an extra cheesy version.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes! You can substitute the bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

• What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
  You can make a quick alternative using a blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.

• How can I make this dish lighter?
  Use half-and-half or low-fat cream instead of heavy cream to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.

• Can I make this in advance?
  While best fresh, you can pre-cook the chicken and vegetables and mix them with the pasta and sauce right before serving to save time.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?
  Absolutely! Portion the pasta into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a fantastic dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its creamy texture, savory spices, and colorful presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight meal or serving it at a gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients and give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

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• Author: sara
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: N/A

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Description

A delightful dish that combines creamy sauce with bold Cajun flavors, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a tablespoon of pasta water.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and has a golden color, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Allow to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Serve warm, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh Cajun seasoning. This dish is also great with shrimp or sausage as protein alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun/Creole

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 90mg