One of my favorite things to cook on a busy weeknight is something that feels comforting but doesn’t take all night. This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is exactly that. It’s rich, cheesy, and just spicy enough to keep it interesting; even the kids enjoy it.
The mix of tender chicken strips, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a smooth mozzarella-Parmesan sauce makes it a go-to dinner in our home. I first made it on a hectic night with soccer practice and homework chaos, and it was such a hit that it’s been on repeat ever since.
It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, great for weeknights but also nice enough to serve when company comes over. You can adjust the Cajun spice to your liking, and that creamy cheese sauce pulls it all together without feeling too heavy.
Essential Elements and Equipment
You don’t need fancy gadgets or complicated tools to make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta. Just a few reliable kitchen basics will help everything come together quickly and smoothly. Here’s what you’ll want nearby:
- Large Pot: For boiling your bowtie pasta to al dente perfection. The shape holds onto creamy sauce beautifully, so don’t skip this step!
- Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Sauté Pan: Ideal for cooking the chicken and building the sauce in one place. It distributes heat evenly and makes cleanup easier.
- Whisk: Crucial for blending cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan into a silky, lump-free sauce. A balloon whisk works best for this.
- Tongs or Large Spoon: Helps you gently toss the pasta and chicken together, so every bite gets coated in that rich, cheesy goodness.
That’s it, just the essentials. No special equipment required, just tools you probably already have in your kitchen. With everything prepped and within reach, you’ll be able to move through the recipe with ease and confidence.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- The chicken is seasoned generously with Cajun spices and garlic powder, which infuse it with warm, smoky, and slightly spicy notes. This makes every bite exciting without being overwhelming.
- Cooking the bowtie pasta al dente ensures that it keeps a nice firm texture and doesn’t turn mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- The sauce itself is a perfect balance of richness and creaminess, thanks to the combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Melting the cheeses slowly into the sauce helps achieve a smooth, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- The reserved pasta water is a secret weapon to loosen the sauce just enough so it coats the pasta evenly without being thick or gluey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce later. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2:
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant; don’t let it burn.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from the chicken.
Step 6: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 7: Add the cooked bowtie pasta and seared Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer on low for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 8: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it to fit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.
- Make it milder: If you’re cooking for kids or anyone who prefers less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning or swap it out for Italian seasoning. The garlic Parmesan sauce is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own.
- Add veggies: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes along with the chicken to add color and extra nutrients. Spinach is another great option, it wilts beautifully into the sauce.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to keep the sauce thick and creamy.
- Swap the chicken: You can use shrimp or even sausage instead of chicken for a different protein twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan cheeses if needed, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Adding nutritional yeast can help mimic that cheesy depth.
How to Serve
This dish is wonderful all on its own because it’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. But you can elevate your meal with some simple sides.
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the sauce. Something like mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon works perfectly.
- Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that cheesy sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a fresh and healthy contrast and keep the meal feeling well-rounded.
For drinks, sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine pairs beautifully, but even a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade can keep the meal refreshing without overpowering the flavors.
Recipe Tips
- When cooking the pasta, salt your water generously. This step seasons the pasta from the inside out and makes a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken strips. Cooking them just until golden and cooked through keeps them juicy and tender, which is key when combined with the creamy sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan whenever possible. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent melting and can affect the texture of your sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water. Its starchiness helps adjust the sauce’s consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Whisk the cheese slowly into the warm cream mixture to prevent clumping and ensure a silky sauce.
- If your sauce becomes too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
Cooking Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan for even heat distribution, which prevents burning the sauce.
- Make sure the cream and broth are added gradually while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Always cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness; it should be fragrant and soft, not browned.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat once all ingredients are combined; this helps deepen the flavor.
- This dish reheats well but may thicken as it cools. Warm gently with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 820 per serving
Protein: Approximately 55 grams
Sodium: Moderate, depending on cheese and seasoning brands
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 generous servings
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of pasta instead of bowtie?
Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Rotini, penne, or rigatoni are great alternatives because their shapes help trap that creamy sauce. Spaghetti or linguine can work too, but the sauce might not cling quite as well.
2. How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning adds a pleasant, medium level of heat and smoky flavor, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount to your family’s preference. If you like it milder, reduce the seasoning or substitute with Italian seasoning for a more herb-forward flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and chicken separately, then prepare the sauce when ready to serve. Combine everything and heat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the sauce from separating.
4. What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use more heavy cream or add a little mascarpone for creaminess. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can work as well, but add them off the heat to avoid curdling.
Conclusion
This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is a dish that hits all the marks; it’s comforting, cheesy, with just the right touch of spice that keeps it interesting for both kids and adults. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet special enough to serve when you want to treat your family or friends to something memorable without a ton of fuss.
What I love most is how versatile this recipe is. You can easily adjust the spice level, switch up the veggies, or try different proteins, making it perfect for any season or occasion. The creamy sauce made with a blend of cheeses and cream cheese feels indulgent but never heavy, and the tender Cajun-seasoned chicken adds that satisfying, savory punch we all crave.
Give it a try, and I promise it will become a new favorite in your rotation just like it did in mine. Enjoy every bite!
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Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Avoid overcooking the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce later. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2:
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant; don’t let it burn.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from the chicken.
Step 6: Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 7: Add the cooked bowtie pasta and seared Cajun chicken back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer on low for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to come together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 8: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 820
- Protein: 55