Description
Get ready for a new family favorite with this absolutely delicious Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta that turns busy weeknight cooking into something special! This crowd-pleasing recipe brings together the best of Louisiana comfort food with creamy Italian goodness in one satisfying skillet. The best part? Everything comes together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. With perfectly spiced chicken, tender pasta, and the creamiest alfredo sauce, this hearty meal will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen hero without all the fuss!
Ingredients
For the Easy Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (use less for milder taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Up Your Spice Magic: Combine all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. This makes enough for this recipe plus extra to store for next time—you’ll definitely want to make this again!
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and pound to even thickness (about ½ inch). Rub with olive oil, then coat generously with your homemade Cajun seasoning. Let it sit for 15 minutes while you get everything else ready.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a big pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until just shy of tender. Save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—trust us on this one!
- Get That Perfect Golden Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Cook the seasoned chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Remove chicken and set aside to rest, then slice when ready.
- Build Your Creamy Sauce: In the same pan (don’t wash it—those tasty bits are gold!), add remaining butter and minced garlic. Cook for a minute until fragrant, then pour in chicken broth to scrape up all those delicious browned bits.
- Make It Creamy and Dreamy: Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes, then gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring It All Together: Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat. If it seems too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Gently fold in the sliced chicken and most of the parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy: Dish it up in bowls, sprinkle with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy—then watch your family’s faces light up!
Notes
This recipe is super flexible and forgiving! If you don’t have all the spices for the Cajun blend, store-bought works in a pinch. Want it milder? Cut the cayenne in half or leave it out entirely. Kids not fans of spice? Make the chicken plain and let adults add hot sauce at the table. The whole dish can be prepped ahead—just store components separately and combine when ready to eat. Leftovers keep for 3-4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of cream or pasta water. Pro tip: Make extra Cajun seasoning—it’s amazing on everything from roasted vegetables to grilled fish!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Skillet
- Cuisine: Comfort Food Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy cajun chicken pasta, family dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, one skillet dinner