Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with bold, spicy flavors and tender chicken. This Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken brings together the best of both worlds: the velvety richness of a homemade Parmesan cream sauce paired with the smoky, zesty kick of Cajun-seasoned chicken cooked in garlic butter.

Whether you’re winding down after a busy day, feeding the family on a weeknight, or looking to impress friends with a flavorful yet easy-to-make dinner, this dish has you covered. The bowtie pasta’s charming shape holds onto the luscious sauce perfectly, while the Cajun chicken adds just the right amount of spice and savory depth.

This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between indulgent and approachable comforting enough to feel like a warm hug and exciting enough to keep you coming back for more. Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a true crowd-pleaser that won’t keep you tied to the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lusciously Creamy Sauce: A homemade Parmesan sauce that’s rich, silky, and utterly satisfying.
• Bold Cajun Flavor: Spicy, smoky chicken cooked in fragrant garlic butter for a flavor explosion.
• Perfect Pasta Shape: Bowtie pasta holds onto every bit of sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about half an hour, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Customizable Heat: Adjust Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4 generous portions

Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie pasta — sturdy shape that captures sauce beautifully.

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning — smoky and spicy flavor punch.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil — for searing chicken.

Sauce & Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter — base for garlic butter and sauce richness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced — aromatic and savory flavor foundation.
• 2 cups heavy cream — luxurious creaminess.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — sharp, nutty depth.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — herbal balance.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika — subtle smoky warmth.
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) — for added heat.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley — bright, fresh finish.

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 according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.

2. Prepare the Cajun Chicken

1. Season chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken strips and sear for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and golden.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
4. Slowly add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

4. Combine & Serve

1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Add cooked bowtie pasta and gently mix to combine everything evenly.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Spice it Up: Add more Cajun seasoning or extra red pepper flakes for a bolder heat profile.
• Swap Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work well if you don’t have bowtie.
• Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
• Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less butter.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cream alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste: Creamy and rich with a smoky, spicy Cajun kick and fresh herbal notes.
Texture: Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and silky, velvety sauce.

Perfect Beverage Pairings:

• Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or buttery Chardonnay complements the creaminess and spices.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, or iced tea with a hint of mint.

Sides:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted or steamed asparagus

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

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

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cook chicken in advance: Prepare Cajun chicken strips a day ahead and store in the fridge.
• Sauce: Best made fresh but can be gently reheated on low with a splash of cream or milk.
• Pasta: Cook ahead and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Just season the chicken with Cajun spices and quickly sauté in garlic butter to freshen it up.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Definitely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain gluten.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Boil pasta	10–12 minutes
Cook chicken	7 minutes
Make sauce	5 minutes
Combine & serve	3 minutes
Total Time	~30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in wide shallow bowls to show off the creamy sauce and colorful chicken strips.
• Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few whole parsley leaves on top for visual appeal.
• Pair with a crisp green salad and some crunchy garlic bread for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Cajun Shrimp Bowtie Pasta: Swap chicken for shrimp, sauté with Cajun seasoning, and toss in the same sauce.
2. Vegetarian Creamy Bowtie: Omit chicken; add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a veggie-packed meal.
3. Lemon-Parmesan Twist: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce for a bright contrast to the richness.

Ingredient Spotlight — Cajun Seasoning

Cajun seasoning is the heart of this dish’s bold flavor. Look for a blend that balances paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. To boost freshness and punch:

• Make your own Cajun seasoning at home with these spices.
• Store it in an airtight jar away from heat and light.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken — this helps it brown nicely rather than steam.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest sauce; pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that affect melt.
• Gradually add pasta water to your sauce for perfect consistency and to help it cling to the pasta.
• Let the sauce simmer gently after adding cheese but avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cream sauces can separate when frozen; best to freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately and prepare sauce fresh.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk, stirring often.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

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

Can be made lower fat or gluten-free with simple swaps.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken is a delicious, comforting, and quick meal that balances creamy richness with the exciting boldness of Cajun spice. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights or weekend dinners where you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.

The buttery, garlicky sauce coated on tender pasta combined with smoky, spicy chicken strips creates a meal that feels indulgent and satisfying yet approachable and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a fan of creamy pastas, Cajun flavors, or both, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your dinner rotation.

So, grab your skillet and pasta pot, and whip up this stunning dish that’s full of flavor and heartwarming comfort your taste buds will thank you.

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