Name: The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick bite-size pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup whole milk; 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (to tie in flavor); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 21 reviews

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy, you’re about to fall in love with The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce. Each bite is bursting with Cajun-spiced chicken, velvety mozzarella and Parmesan, all swirling around perfectly al dente bowtie pasta. This dish brings that irresistible combo of bold flavors and luscious, cheesy sauce to your dinner table in under an hour. It’s weeknight-friendly, impressive for guests, and—best of all—guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds.

The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of easy-to-find ingredients to make The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce, but each one plays a unique role. From smoky spices to three kinds of cheese, every item was picked for ultimate flavor, texture, or color—so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut thick for juicy bites that soak up the spices beautifully.
Olive Oil: Delivers a subtle richness while helping the chicken brown perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess both for the chicken and the sauce—use it twice for extra depth.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings smoky, spicy warmth that’s the signature twist of this dish.
Garlic Powder: Infuses even more flavor into the chicken, giving it that mouthwatering finish.
Smoked Paprika: Lends color and a whisper of smokiness that makes the chicken irresistible.
Salt & Pepper: The essential duo to balance and heighten every other flavor in the dish.
Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: Holds the sauce in each fold; ideal for catching all that creamy goodness.
Minced Garlic: Blooms in butter to infuse the heart of the sauce with savory depth.
Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce ultra-rich and silky so it coats the pasta luxuriously.
Whole Milk: Lightens the cream for just the right balance and pourable consistency.
Velveeta Cheese: Ensures the sauce is smooth, melty, and never grainy—trust me, it makes a difference!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Brings that signature stretchy, cheesy pull with every forkful.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty, umami-rich bite for layered flavor.
Reserved Pasta Water: The starchy secret for loosening the sauce just enough, making it cling to every bowtie.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkled on top for a pop of color and hint of freshness to lighten up each plate.

How to Make The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—don’t skimp on the salt; it flavors your pasta from within! Toss in your bowties and cook them until just al dente, about 10 to 11 minutes. Before draining, scoop out a bit of that pasta water to save for later. Drain and set aside—you’re well on your way to creating The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta bubbles away, throw your chicken pieces into a bowl and give them a Cajun-spiced massage. The Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and pepper all need to cling to each bite for maximum flavor. Make sure there are no bland spots—your tastebuds will thank you!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat up olive oil and a pat of butter in a skillet until shimmering. Spread your chicken pieces in a single layer and let them sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes—this is how you get that gorgeous, golden crust. Flip them over, keep cooking until they’re cooked through, then transfer to a plate. At this point, your kitchen probably already smells incredible!

Step 4: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat and drop the rest of your butter into the same pan. It’ll melt into all the tasty bits left by the chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it will turn bitter. This step creates a depth of flavor that seeps through every bite of the finished sauce.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Base

Pour in your heavy cream and whole milk and stir. The mixture needs to come to a gentle simmer—tiny bubbles and a silky texture are your cues. This rich base is what gives The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce its signature luxurious feel.

Step 6: Melt in Velveeta

Toss in the Velveeta cubes and stir steadily as they soften and fully melt into the sauce. This secret weapon ensures your sauce stays smooth and creamy, clinging dreamily to every piece of pasta.

Step 7: Add Mozzarella and Parmesan

Lower the heat and introduce shredded mozzarella and Parmesan next. Stir continuously until everything’s melted and the sauce is visibly thickening. These cheeses team up to give you that iconic stretchy, glossy finish and a salty depth that perfectly balances the Cajun spices.

Step 8: Season the Sauce

This is where you bring it all together. Sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning and give the sauce a taste—add salt and pepper if needed. The heat can always be tweaked for your crew, but a little extra Cajun punch is part of what makes this recipe truly the best.

Step 9: Toss Pasta in Sauce

Slide your bowtie pasta into the luscious sauce and gently stir it up, making sure every fold is coated. Splash in reserved pasta water if things get a bit thick—a silky, fluid texture is your goal for The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce.

Step 10: Plate and Top with Chicken

Spoon the creamy pasta onto plates, pile the Cajun chicken on top, and finish with a shower of fresh parsley. Each plate is a picture-perfect promise of flavor—get ready to dig in and watch smiles appear around the table!

How to Serve The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley instantly elevates each plate, adding a touch of color and freshness against the rich, creamy backdrop. For extra flair, add a dusting of grated Parmesan or a pinch of Cajun seasoning over the top before serving—these little finishing touches make your bowl look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

With The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce being so rich and cheesy, a crisp green side salad or simple steamed broccoli makes the perfect partner, cutting through the creaminess and keeping the meal balanced. For something extra indulgent, try crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce—you won’t want to leave a drop behind!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to give your presentation a twist? Try serving this pasta in big, shallow bowls for an elegant, family-style feel. Or load up individual mini skillets or ramekins for a fun, bistro-style vibe. For parties, pile the pasta into a large platter, scatter the chicken and parsley over the top, and let guests help themselves—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or reserved pasta water when reheating restores that dreamy consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce, though the sauce texture might change slightly. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To preserve the best quality, freeze the chicken and pasta separately if possible, and combine them when reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk as needed to loosen up the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stop and stir every 30 seconds for even heating. For best results, avoid overheating to keep the cheeses smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is a superstar for this recipe, you can swap in penne, rigatoni, or rotini—just aim for shapes with folds or ridges that hug the sauce.

What if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?

No Velveeta? No problem. You can substitute with more mozzarella or use mild cheddar, but keep in mind the texture of the sauce may be less silky and more stringy. Velveeta does make it extra creamy.

Is this dish spicy?

The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce has a gentle kick from the Cajun seasoning, but it’s definitely not mouth-on-fire spicy. Adjust the heat by adding more or less Cajun seasoning to fit your family’s tastes.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning for any hidden gluten. The sauce itself is naturally gluten free, so swapping the pasta is an easy adaptation.

How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Sneak in some color and nutrition by sautéing bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the garlic in Step 4. Fold them into the sauce before adding the pasta—they blend right in and taste fantastic with the creamy, Cajun flavors!

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that The Best Cajun Chicken Bowties in Creamy Mozzarella Sauce brings a tableful of comfort and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re making a cozy meal for family or wowing friends at a weekend dinner, this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds—don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature pasta night recipe! Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s called “the best.”