Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce combines perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken and a luscious, cheesy mozzarella cream sauce. The dish is finished with garlic, parmesan, and fresh herbs for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make in about 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 230g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
For the Cajun Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (plus more if needed)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or basil
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly coat them with Cajun seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 9–11 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and achieve desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Plate and Garnish: Transfer the sauced pasta onto serving plates. Top with the sliced Cajun chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for a smoother and creamier cheese sauce that melts beautifully.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices, making it moist and tender when sliced.
- If your cheese sauce is too thick, adding a splash of pasta water instantly loosens it without diluting the flavor.
Keywords: Bowtie pasta, Farfalle, Cajun chicken, Creamy mozzarella sauce, Easy pasta dinner, Quick chicken pasta, Comfort food