A rich and savory dish that delivers bold Cajun flavor in every bite, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is comfort food with a kick. Juicy, golden-seared chicken tossed in a silky, spicy cream sauce clings to every curl of bowtie pasta. It’s hearty, it’s indulgent, and it’s ready in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with just a few pantry staples and a punch of seasoning. The smoky heat from the Cajun spices is balanced perfectly by the velvety cream sauce, while the farfalle pasta adds a fun and satisfying texture. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta skillet will hit the spot.
Ingredients for this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan for topping (optional)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, paprika, and a touch of salt. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet for the best creamy Cajun experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or rigatoni are great alternatives that hold sauce well.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can substitute coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How spicy is this dish?
It has a moderate spice level from the Cajun seasoning, but you can reduce the amount or use a mild blend if preferred.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook everything and store it. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the sauce’s consistency.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Shrimp, sausage, or tofu work well as substitutes for chicken in this recipe.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms complement the creamy Cajun sauce beautifully.
Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
This one-skillet wonder combines tender chunks of Cajun-spiced chicken with a luxuriously creamy sauce that hugs every piece of bowtie pasta. It’s a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend guests. The Cajun spices bring boldness, while the heavy cream and Parmesan balance it out into a cozy, flavorful bowlful. If you’re hunting for easy recipes that pack both heat and comfort, this dish is a must. Great for food ideas when you want something hearty but not fussy — consider it for your next round of healthy-ish dinner ideas or indulgent weekend meals.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Additional Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the skillet; sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, chicken broth, and cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir in Parmesan until creamy and combined.
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.