Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
A Flavorful Journey: Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
If you’re craving a dish that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table, you’re in for a treat! This Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture perfectly seared chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, nestled on a cloud of creamy, cheesy pasta that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner you’re after or a special occasion to celebrate, this dish is certain to impress your family and friends.
Why you’ll love this dish
What sets this recipe apart? It’s quick, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen. The combination of Cajun spices and creamy Parmesan creates a delightful balance that will tantalize your taste buds, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
"This dish took just 30 minutes to prepare and tasted like a gourmet meal! The creamy sauce was heavenly, and the Cajun kick made it unforgettable!" – A happy home cook
The cooking process explained
Creating this Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta is straightforward yet rewarding. You’ll begin by boiling the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente while you prepare the chicken. After searing the chicken to golden perfection, you’ll whip up a rich sauce with garlic, chicken broth, and cheese that envelops the pasta like a warm hug. Finally, the chicken is sliced and served right on top, creating an irresistible dish that looks as good as it tastes.
What you’ll need
Here’s the list of ingredients that bring this dish to life:
- 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
Feel free to swap out certain ingredients based on your preferences! For example, you can use different cheeses or pasta shapes based on what’s available in your pantry.
Step-by-step instructions
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Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the thinly sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add a touch more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to deglaze the pan.
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Add Cheese: Whisk in the cream cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan (and mozzarella if you’re feeling indulgent) until the sauce is thick and creamy. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes at this point.
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Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s nicely coated. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if necessary.
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Serve: Plate the pasta, top with the sliced Cajun chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its flavor but also in its versatility. For a hearty meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine or iced tea to complete the experience. And don’t shy away from garnishing it with extra cheese or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for that added flair!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce, as it may thicken after chilling. You can reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you want to keep it longer, this dish can also be frozen for up to a month—just remember to store it in a freezer-safe container and let it cool before freezing.
Helpful cooking tips
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Chicken Cooking Tip: Make sure your chicken breasts are sliced thinly for even cooking. If they’re too thick, consider pounding them a bit for that perfect sear.
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Sauce Secret: For a deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. It elevates the dish and adds a richness that store-bought broth often lacks.
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Pasta Perfect: To prevent your pasta from sticking together after draining, toss it with a small amount of olive oil if you’re not mixing it into the sauce immediately.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations to consider:
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Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a medley of your favorite vegetables, seasoned with Cajun spices.
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Seafood Spin: Replace chicken with shrimp for a delightful seafood twist; just be cautious not to overcook the shrimp.
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Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, amp up the Cajun seasoning or add diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Your questions answered
How long does this dish take to prepare?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you love; just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy substitute like coconut cream, but keep in mind the flavor and consistency will vary.
With this Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta, you’re not just cooking; you’re creating a culinary experience that will bring smiles to your table! Enjoy every bite!
Savory Cajun Chicken over Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, season the thinly sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a touch more butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to deglaze the pan.
- Whisk in the cream cheese until it’s melted and smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan (and mozzarella if you’re feeling indulgent) until the sauce is thick and creamy. If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes at this point.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it’s nicely coated. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if necessary.
- Plate the pasta, top with the sliced Cajun chicken, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Enjoy!
