Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Cajun Chicken Bowties in a creamy mozzarella sauce. Tender chicken bites seasoned with Cajun spices, served over perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 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
Pasta:
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 11 minutes. Before draining, reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cajun Chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Creamy Mozzarella Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add garlic, then pour in heavy cream and milk. Add Velveeta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in cooked pasta.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta, top with Cajun chicken, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
