Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

If you crave creamy, cheesy pasta with a punch of bold Cajun flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is going to steal your heart. Imagine tender strips of chicken seasoned with aromatic Cajun spices, sautéed in garlic butter, then tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and enveloped in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce that’s both velvety and indulgent.

This dish is the perfect harmony of comfort and spice creamy and cheesy yet lively with the smoky warmth of Cajun seasoning. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something special without complicated prep, or for weekend gatherings when you want to impress your loved ones with bold flavors and beautiful presentation.

The bowtie pasta’s unique shape grabs onto every bit of sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. And with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, this recipe is approachable enough for any home cook but feels luxuriously restaurant-quality.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, cheesy sauce made from scratch with fresh Parmesan and mozzarella.
• Bold Cajun seasoning delivers smoky, spicy heat balanced by garlic butter richness.
• Quick and easy — ready in about 30 minutes.
• Perfect pasta shape — bowtie noodles hold sauce beautifully.
• Customizable spice levels — add crushed red pepper flakes for extra kick or omit for mild flavor.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4

Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie pasta

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce & Flavorings

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cajun Chicken

1. Toss chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine.
4. Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

4. Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
4. Remove from heat.

5. Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a bright, fresh finish.
2. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For more heat: Increase Cajun seasoning and add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian option: Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
• Swap pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work well as alternatives to bowtie.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter by half.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Rich, creamy, and cheesy with smoky, spicy Cajun undertones and fragrant garlic.
• Texture: Silky sauce clings to tender chicken and al dente pasta.

Drink Pairings:

• White wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and spices.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lime or a cold iced tea complements the richness.

Side Suggestions:

• Garlic bread or herb focaccia
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed or roasted asparagus or green beans

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~720
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 38g
• Fiber: 3g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Cook the Cajun chicken strips a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
• Sauce: Best prepared fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk.
• Pasta: Cook pasta ahead and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, toss pre-cooked chicken in Cajun seasoning and sauté briefly in garlic butter before mixing with pasta.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a little cream or milk to refresh the sauce.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Creamy sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best to freeze components separately (chicken and pasta). Reheat gently and combine with freshly made sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Boil pasta	10–12 minutes
Cook chicken	6–8 minutes
Make Alfredo sauce	5 minutes
Combine & serve	3 minutes
Total Time	~30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in wide bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and Cajun chicken strips.
• Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few parsley sprigs for garnish.
• Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Bowtie Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp, cooked with the same seasoning and garlic butter sauce.
2. Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed creamy pasta.
3. Lemon Garlic Cajun Pasta: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce to brighten the creamy richness.

Ingredient Spotlight Garlic

Garlic is the flavor backbone of this dish, elevating the creamy sauce and the Cajun chicken alike. For the best flavor:

• Use fresh garlic cloves, minced finely or pressed.
• Sauté just until fragrant — about 30 seconds — to avoid bitterness.
• Consider roasting garlic for a sweeter, mellow flavor if you want a twist.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a smooth, rich sauce — pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent melting properly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken strips to ensure even browning.
• Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust sauce thickness perfectly.
• Let sauce simmer gently after adding cheese to avoid curdling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Cream sauces don’t freeze well alone; freeze pasta and chicken separately if needed, and reheat with freshly made sauce.
• Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk, stirring frequently.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
720	45g	50g	38g	3g

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is the perfect dish for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy pasta with a lively, spicy kick. The garlic butter brings warmth and depth, while the Cajun seasoning adds bold, smoky flavor that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the richness of the sauce.

It’s a quick, satisfying recipe that works for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or anytime you want a delicious, comforting meal that feels a little special. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a dish that you’ll return to again and again.

So next time you want pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with Cajun flair, this recipe is ready to be your new go-to. Serve it with a crisp salad or crusty bread, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy every decadent bite.

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