This Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a quick and tasty meal! With tender chicken, fun bowtie pasta, and a zesty Cajun spice mix, it’s sure to make everyone smile.
I love how colorful this dish is! Plus, it only takes one skillet to make, so cleanup is a breeze. Talk about a win-win for busy nights! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Skinless boneless chicken is ideal for this recipe for its quick cooking time. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey breast or even shrimp can also be great. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Cajun Seasoning: This mix gives the dish its signature flavor. If you don’t have it, try a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and black pepper. For a milder option, you can use Italian seasoning.
Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle is fun and holds sauce well! If you want to switch it up, penne or medium shells are great alternatives. Gluten-free pasta will also work if needed!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half or use Greek yogurt. Just be careful with cooking time to avoid curdling.
How Do You Ensure Your Pasta Is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta can sometimes be tricky, but here’s an easy way to get it right! Use plenty of water and salt it well. When adding it to your skillet, keep the heat on medium and stir occasionally.
- Add the uncooked bowtie pasta along with the chicken broth—this helps it cook evenly.
- Cover the skillet as it simmers. This traps steam and helps the pasta soften within about 10 minutes.
- Make sure to check for doneness a minute or two sooner, as it should be al dente (firm but cooked).
Using these tips, your pasta will come out delicious and perfectly tender each time!
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Season:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of roughly 35 minutes to have a delicious meal ready! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by sprinkling the Cajun seasoning evenly over the chicken pieces. This will give them a tasty kick! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, keep the flavorful oil left from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant and aromatic! Next, toss in the cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Time to get the pasta cooking! Add the uncooked bowtie pasta to the skillet along with the chicken broth. Bring this mix to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed.
4. Make It Creamy:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
5. Combine and Serve:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine it all well. Heat through for another 2 minutes. Finally, taste your dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. To make it look pretty, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving!
And there you have it! A flavorful, creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Enjoy your meal! 🍽️
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked chicken on hand, you can skip the initial cooking step. Just add the pre-cooked chicken to the skillet after sautéing the garlic and tomatoes, then proceed with the recipe to heat it through and mix with the sauce.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can create your own blend using spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adjust the measurements to fit your taste preferences, and feel free to enhance the flavor further with a pinch of salt.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with your choice of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use a hearty plant-based cream for richness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revitalize the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
