Creamy Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

If you’re a fan of bold flavors, creamy sauces, and tender chicken, this Creamy Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Packed with rich cheeses, savory Cajun-seasoned chicken, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, this dish is indulgent yet surprisingly quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes.

This pasta is perfect for cozy dinners at home, casual family meals, or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Its creamy, garlicky sauce with a hint of Cajun spice creates a comforting, flavorful experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: Ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy nights.
• Bold Flavors: Cajun seasoning gives a deliciously spicy kick to tender chicken.
• Cheesy Goodness: A combination of Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and gooey.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since most of the cooking happens in one skillet.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, with just enough spice to excite the palate.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe makes 6 servings and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

Pasta:

• 1 lb bowtie pasta

Sauce & Flavor Base:

• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan

Tip: Using a mix of cheeses creates a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or spatula for stirring
• Cheese grater if using a block of Parmesan

Having everything ready before cooking ensures a smooth, stress-free experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make perfectly creamy and flavorful Cajun chicken pasta.

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Drain, set aside, and keep warm.

Pro Tip: Reserve a splash of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt.
3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Chef Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
3. Lower the heat and add Velveeta, cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: Keep the heat low while melting the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating.

4. Combine Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet.
2. Stir well until everything is coated evenly in the creamy garlic butter sauce.

5. Add Final Cheeses

1. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and gooey.
2. Adjust salt to taste and stir until the sauce is perfectly creamy.

Tip: For extra richness, you can sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top before serving.

6. Serve

• Serve warm, making sure each plate has plenty of cheesy sauce and juicy chicken.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Add Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or peas work beautifully in this pasta.
• Spice Level: Increase Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Protein Swap: Shrimp or turkey breast cubes can replace chicken.
• Cheese Variation: Substitute Velveeta with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a sharper flavor.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Flavor Profile

• Chicken: Tender, juicy, and packed with Cajun spice.
• Sauce: Rich, cheesy, and garlicky with a hint of heat.
• Pasta: Al dente bowtie pasta perfectly coated with creamy, flavorful sauce.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (6 servings total):

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 38g (Saturated: 22g)
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 800mg

This dish is rich in protein and fats, making it a hearty, filling meal.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Cook and season in advance; store in the fridge and reheat with the sauce.
• Pasta: Cook al dente and store separately; toss with sauce when ready to serve.
• Sauce: Prepare the cheese sauce ahead and reheat gently to prevent separation.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, just follow the package instructions and cook to al dente for best results.

2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

4. How spicy is this dish?
Mild to medium. Adjust Cajun seasoning or add red pepper flakes for more heat.

5. Can leftovers be stored?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Cook pasta	8–10 min	Al dente
Cook chicken	6–8 min	Medium-high heat
Prepare sauce	5 min	Melt cheeses
Combine pasta & chicken	2 min	Coat in sauce
Add final cheeses	2 min	Melt & stir
Serve	1 min	Garnish if desired
Total	25 min	Ready to enjoy

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
• Top with extra Parmesan or parsley for a professional look.
• Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance richness.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Shrimp Bowtie Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp and adjust Cajun seasoning.
2. Veggie-Packed Pasta: Add bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to the sauce.
3. Extra Cheesy Version: Sprinkle additional mozzarella or Parmesan before serving.
4. Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce butter by half.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cajun Seasoning

• Flavor: Smoky, slightly spicy, and aromatic.
• Tip: Adjust to taste; combines paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne for balanced heat.

Velveeta & Cream Cheese

• Function: Creates a silky, creamy base for the sauce.
• Tip: Add gradually over low heat to prevent curdling or separation.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook chicken in batches for even browning.
• Stir cheese gradually for a smooth, glossy sauce.
• Don’t overcook pasta; al dente holds up better when tossed in sauce.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Chicken & Pasta: Store in separate airtight containers for up to 2 days in the fridge.
• Sauce: Can be frozen separately for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	650 kcal	Hearty portion
Protein	36g	Chicken & cheeses
Carbs	42g	Bowtie pasta
Fat	38g	Butter & cream
Saturated Fat	22g	Rich & indulgent
Fiber	2g	Minimal
Cholesterol	150mg	Chicken & dairy
Sodium	800mg	Seasonings & cheese

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Butter Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta combines bold Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and a luxurious, cheesy sauce into one irresistible meal. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

The combination of cheesy creaminess and aromatic spices makes it a crowd-pleaser, while its simple preparation means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal. Garnish with parsley, serve hot, and indulge in this ultimate comfort food experience

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