Description
A creamy and flavorful Cajun garlic chicken dish that pairs perfectly with bowtie pasta, making it a quick weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 9 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into medium strips
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, basil, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coat on each piece.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned with slightly crisp edges, about 7-9 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and lift the flavorful bits from the pan’s bottom.
- Add the Velveeta cheese and stir until melted. Then, incorporate the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and cream cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick.
- Stir in garlic powder and lemon juice, enhancing the flavors even more.
- Return the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
- Add the chicken back into the skillet and gently mix, allowing everything to warm together for another minute.
- Finish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Make this dish ahead of time, but keep the chicken and sauce separate until ready to serve for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, garlic pasta, family dinner, quick meals, creamy sauce