Description
A comforting and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 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 Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until nicely browned, turning as needed. Once fully cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine.
- Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted. Then mix in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Gently mix the chicken back into the skillet and let everything warm together for a minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use high-quality garlic for the best flavor and avoid overcooking the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun pasta, chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta