Oh my gosh, you guys – this cheesy garlic cajun chicken bowtie pasta in alfredo sauce is my absolute go-to when I need something that feels fancy but comes together in a flash. Picture this: tender chicken coated in that perfect Cajun kick, bowtie pasta catching every drop of creamy garlic alfredo sauce, and just enough Parmesan to make it gloriously cheesy without being heavy. I swear, the first time I made this, my husband hovered by the stove stealing bites before it even hit the plates. It’s that kind of dish – the one where everyone asks for seconds and you pretend not to notice when they scrape the bowl clean.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce
Trust me, this dish is a winner for so many reasons:
- It’s quick – ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with flavor – Cajun spices, garlic, and creamy Alfredo sauce make every bite irresistible.
- So creamy – the sauce coats every piece of pasta and chicken perfectly.
- Super easy – simple steps, minimal cleanup, and maximum deliciousness.
Seriously, it’s comfort food that feels special without any fuss!
Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy dish – promise, it’s all simple stuff you might already have:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta – or whatever pasta shape makes you happiest.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning – adjust to your spice tolerance; I like it bold!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 cup heavy cream – the secret to that luscious sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated is best, trust me.
- 2 tbsp butter – for that rich, velvety base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – to get that chicken perfectly golden.
- 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper – for seasoning just right.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional) – for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
That’s it! Simple, right? Now let’s turn these into magic.
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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce – Must-Try Magic!
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken, garlic, Cajun spices, and bowtie pasta in a rich Alfredo sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less spice.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce
Okay, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together in a few easy steps, and I’ll walk you through each one. Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds, and the results are so worth it.
Cooking the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook it until it’s just al dente – usually about 10 minutes, but check the package instructions. You want it tender but still with a little bite. Drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save about 1/2 cup of pasta water – it’s a lifesaver if your sauce needs thinning later. Set the pasta aside while you work on the chicken and sauce.
Preparing the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, grab your 1 lb cubed chicken breasts and toss them with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t clean the skillet – we’re using those tasty bits for the sauce!
Making the Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant – careful not to burn it! Pour in the 1 cup heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a minute or two. Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and gets all creamy and dreamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
Combining Everything
Now, the fun part! Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until it’s beautifully coated – and yes, it’s okay to sneak a taste here. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped parsley for a fresh finish. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce
Okay, here’s the inside scoop to make this dish absolutely foolproof:
- Spice control: Start with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning if you’re sensitive to heat – you can always add more later.
- Fresh is best: Grate your own Parmesan – the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as creamy.
- Pasta perfection: Cook your bowties 1 minute less than package says – they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Sauce saver: Keep that pasta water! It’s magic for loosening up leftover sauce the next day too.
These little tricks? They make all the difference between good and “oh my gosh I need this every week” good.
Variations for Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Listen, rules were made to be broken – especially when it comes to pasta! Here’s how I’ve mixed this dish up:
- Seafood swap: Try juicy shrimp instead of chicken – just cook ‘em quick so they don’t get rubbery.
- Pasta party: No bowties? Penne or rotini catch sauce just as well.
- Veggie boost: Toss in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
The beauty? It’s still that same creamy, spicy magic – just your way!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Oh, you gotta serve this beauty with something to soak up that extra sauce! My go-tos? Crispy garlic bread for serious carb-lovers or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Either way, napkins are mandatory – it’s that good.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring that luscious sauce back to life – it makes all the difference.
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s talk numbers – because let’s be real, sometimes you just gotta know what you’re diving into! Here’s the scoop per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: Around 580 – but trust me, every single one is worth it.
- Fat: 32g (18g saturated) – hello, creamy dreamy sauce!
- Protein: 35g – thanks to all that juicy chicken.
- Carbs: 45g – most from those perfect bowtie pasta hugs.
- Sugar: Just 3g – hardly any added sweetness here.
- Sodium: About 800mg – go easy if you’re watching salt.
Quick heads up – these numbers can wiggle a bit depending on your exact ingredients (like how much cheese you “accidentally” add). I use Cronometer for calculations, but your mileage may vary. Now stop worrying and enjoy that creamy, spicy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Bowties are cute, but any short pasta works – penne, rotini, even farfalle’s cousin radiatori. Just adjust cook time per package instructions. Long noodles like fettuccine work too if you’re okay with slurping!
How spicy is this dish?
That Cajun seasoning packs heat, but you’re in control. Start with 1 tablespoon if you’re wary – you can always add more later. For mild-lovers, try half Cajun seasoning, half smoked paprika. Kids? Skip the spice and use garlic powder instead.
Can I make it ahead?
You bet! Cook everything but combine sauce/pasta/chicken last minute. Or – my lazy trick – make it all, then reheat with extra cream. The flavors actually deepen overnight!
What’s the best Cajun seasoning?
Homemade’s great (google it!), but Tony Chachere’s or Slap Ya Mama are my grocery store go-tos. Just check salt content – some brands are saltier than others!
Share Your Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Did you make this dish? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop me a comment below with your spin on it, snap a pic of your saucy masterpiece, or give the recipe a rating – your feedback makes my day and helps other home cooks too. Now go enjoy that creamy, spicy goodness!