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Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

A rich, spicy, and creamy one-pan pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken and bowtie pasta in a velvety Cajun-spiced sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Cajun, Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning adjust to heat preference
  • 8 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 0.5 tsp Paprika
  • 0.25 tsp Cayenne Pepper optional, for extra heat
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Deep Skillet or Pan

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Toss chicken pieces with half the Cajun seasoning and cook for 5-7 minutes until well-seared. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream.
  4. Add bowtie pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
  5. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and melts. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is cut uniformly for even cooking. For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent burning. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level. Pasta should be cooked directly in the sauce to absorb maximum flavor.