Description
Indulge in the flavors of Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta, a creamy and delightful dish that combines tender chicken with zesty Cajun spices and rich cheeses. This one-pot meal comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The combination of bowtie pasta coated in a luscious cheese sauce creates a comforting dinner option that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Garnished with fresh herbs, this pasta dish is not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Try this easy-to-make recipe today and elevate your dinner experience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While pasta cooks, season chicken cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes until golden.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan. Add cooked chicken and pasta; toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve warm garnished with parsley or chives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 975mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Adjust Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. This dish can easily be made vegetarian by substituting chicken with assorted vegetables.