Description
A comforting blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and well-seasoned Cajun chicken served over bowtie pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black 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 shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the bowtie pasta and cook until tender with a slight bite. Drain well and set it aside.
- Season the chicken pieces evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every side is coated nicely.
- Heat olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed until a deep golden crust forms, then flip it to cook the other side until lightly crisp and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat slightly and melt the remaining butter in the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, releasing that rich, savory aroma.
- Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, gently stirring to loosen any delicious bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Lower the heat and begin adding the cheeses: Velveeta, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir slowly until everything melts together into a thick, velvety sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, tasting the sauce and adjusting salt or spice as needed.
- Add the drained bowtie pasta and fold it into the sauce until each piece is fully coated and glossy.
- Nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan, letting it warm through while soaking up some of that rich, cheesy sauce.
- Serve hot with a generous spoonful of sauce over the top, finished with chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan for that final touch.
Notes
This dish can be prepped ahead; add the pasta before serving for the freshest texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Cajun Chicken, Cheesy Pasta, Family Dinner, Comfort Food