Description
This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is the perfect storm of bold and creamy. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken meets a rich, homemade garlic Alfredo sauce that clings to every fold of bowtie pasta. It’s the kind of quick dinner that feels like a weekend indulgence but takes just 30 minutes to pull off. Ideal for weeknight meals, cozy weekends, or showing off at your next dinner party. If you’re on the hunt for easy dinner ideas, bold comfort food, or creamy pasta recipes that never fail—this one’s for you.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces bowtie pasta
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
4. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream, stir, and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
6. Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice if needed.
7. Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
8. Slice chicken and place over the pasta.
9. Garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of paprika if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much after mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: quick dinner, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, weeknight meals, easy recipe, bold flavors