Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish combining tender cajun-seasoned chicken with bowtie pasta in a rich alfredo sauce. This cheesy garlic Cajun chicken pasta is a weeknight lifesaver, ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb bowtie pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp cajun seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
- Season chicken with cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Set aside to rest.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it bubble gently for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted, then gradually add mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the alfredo sauce. Gently fold in the chicken pieces.
- Heat everything together for a minute or two. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Using fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add cheese to the sauce on low heat or off heat to prevent a grainy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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