Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a vibrant dish that marries creamy cheese, aromatic garlic, and zesty Cajun spices for an unforgettable meal experience. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering rich flavors in every bite. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, it’s a surefire hit that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whip it up in just 30 minutes and enjoy a comforting pasta dish that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ 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 a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden and fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about a minute. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in Velveeta and cream cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the chicken and cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg