Description
A creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring Cajun chicken and a rich three-cheese garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until tender with a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, seasoned with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy whipping cream, stirring gently to combine and create a smooth base.
- Add the Velveeta and cream cheese into the mix, stirring until melted and fully blended into the sauce.
- Gradually mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. Allow it to sit over low heat for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Finish with chopped parsley for a fresh garnish, then serve warm.
Notes
For a spicier dish, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, chicken pasta, creamy pasta, family dinner, weeknight meal