Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet Recipe
Get ready to fall in love at first bite with this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet! This is the kind of dish that instantly transports your kitchen straight to the heart of Louisiana with vibrant Cajun spices, luscious cream sauce, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and tender chicken. It’s a harmony of bold flavors and silky textures, finished with a shower of fresh parsley and nutty Parmesan. The best part? Everything comes together in just one skillet, so it’s not only irresistible, but also weeknight friendly and low on cleanup. Whether you’re hosting friends or need a quick comfort dinner, this is the recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is how a handful of everyday ingredients transform into something spectacular. Each one plays a special role, building up that unmistakable flavor and velvety texture while making prep a total breeze.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect protein, soaking up all that Cajun goodness and staying juicy in the skillet.
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: This pasta’s shape hugs the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor.
- Cajun seasoning: The magic maker—choose your favorite blend and adjust the heat to your liking for smoky, spicy depth.
- Olive oil: Helps get that golden, flavorful sear on the chicken while adding a touch of richness.
- Butter: Gives the sauce a silky finish and a hint of classic French flavor; don’t skip it!
- Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and a gentle bite that wakes up all the flavors.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a dreamy, luscious sauce that pulls everything together.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts straight into the sauce for a salty, nutty bite that’s utterly crave-worthy.
- Salt and pepper: Brings out the best in the bold Cajun flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
- Reserved pasta water: Helps adjust the sauce texture to your liking, ensuring it’s never too thick or too thin.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and toss in your bowtie pasta. Cook it just until al dente, so it holds its playful shape and stands up to all that glorious sauce. Before you drain, scoop out half a cup of pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce later!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Coat both sides of your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the signature flavor of Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet really begins, infusing your chicken with smoky, spicy warmth.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat up olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and let it sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until there’s a gorgeous golden crust and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll invite it back soon!
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
Turn the stove down to medium and melt a couple tablespoons of butter in the same skillet (don’t clean it—the browned bits are flavor central!). Add in your minced garlic, giving it just enough time—about one minute—to become fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 5: Pour in the Cream
Gently pour the heavy cream into your skillet, using a spatula to scrape up every bit of savory goodness from the bottom. This is the foundation for your luscious, Cajun-spiked sauce.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan
As the cream begins to warm, gradually add in your freshly grated Parmesan and stir until everything is smooth, silky, and utterly tempting. At this point, taste and tweak the seasoning—add more Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if your tastebuds demand it.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Add your just-cooked bowtie pasta right into the skillet, tossing it gently until every noodle is cloaked in that creamy Cajun sauce. If things look a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it’s perfect for twirling.
Step 8: Add Back the Chicken
Slice your beautifully seared chicken and nestle it back into the skillet, simmering everything together for another two to three minutes so the flavors become best friends.
Step 9: Finish and Serve
Give your finished Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet a flourish of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve it up hot and dig in while the sauce is at its silkiest and the aromas fill the room!
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a final touch of freshness and color. Sprinkle loads of chopped fresh parsley over your skillet just before serving. For extra indulgence, add another snowstorm of Parmesan and a dash of Cajun seasoning on top—it makes every bite more vibrant and gorgeous.
Side Dishes
While this dish is a meal-in-one, it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette and a warm, crusty baguette to mop up all that dreamy sauce. If you’d like to keep it classic, roasted veggies like asparagus or broccolini add an irresistible pop of color.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet by serving it family-style straight from the skillet—it looks festive and inviting in the center of the table. Or, plate it in shallow bowls with big parmesan shavings on top and a bright sprig of parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Your Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, ready to reheat for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While cream-based pastas don’t always freeze perfectly, you can certainly freeze portions of this dish if needed. Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Just know the sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a quick stir restores most of the creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. For the best results, avoid high heat and be patient—this keeps your Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even smoked sausage are fantastic alternatives for the Cajun flair. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on your protein choice.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
You can lighten things up by using half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. Greek yogurt is another creamy option—just stir it in off the heat to avoid curdling.
How spicy is the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet?
That’s up to you! Use less Cajun seasoning for a gentle warmth, or dial it up if you enjoy a bold, spicy kick. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous.
What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
No worries—penne, rotini, or even fettuccine all work well. Just make sure whatever pasta you choose can hang onto that creamy sauce for maximum flavor.
Can I make Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, though pasta always tastes best fresh. You can prep the chicken, sauce, and pasta separately, then combine and heat everything through right before serving for restaurant-quality results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about gathering around a skillet bubbling with Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet—every bite is a cozy hug, brimming with bold flavors and simple joy. If you’re craving a hearty, memorable dinner, you can’t go wrong with this one. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen!
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. This easy recipe is quick to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Salt
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to loosen.
- Finish the Dish: Slice chicken and return to skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Simmer
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, One-Pan Pasta Recipe, Cajun Chicken Skillet
