Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bold spice and creamy comfort, look no further than this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal—quick, flavorful, and made in just one pan. The tender diced chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and al dente bowtie pasta swim in a luscious, cheesy Cajun cream sauce that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on all fronts with minimal fuss and maximum taste.

Why It’s My Go-To

This skillet recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for several reasons. First, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right amount of kick without overwhelming the dish, making it approachable for even those who shy away from spicy foods. Plus, the creamy sauce is rich but balanced by the freshness of diced bell peppers and onion, creating a satisfying harmony of flavors and textures.

Another reason I love this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras to suit your mood or pantry inventory. It’s a perfect dinner when you want something cozy but still packed with vibrant, bold flavors. If you love pasta dishes like the Honey Mustard Chicken Bowtie Pasta, this skillet will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Ingredient Notes

• Bowtie pasta: 8 ounces of bowtie (farfalle) pasta works wonderfully here because its shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer.
• Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps to sauté the chicken and veggies while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
• Chicken breast: 1 pound of diced chicken breast provides lean protein and cooks quickly. Make sure the pieces are uniformly diced for even cooking.
• Cajun seasoning: This is the star spice blend—smoky, spicy, and aromatic. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own by combining paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Green and red bell peppers: These add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the dish, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Onion: Diced onion adds depth and sweetness as it cooks down.
• Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic bring essential savory notes and aroma.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce decadently creamy and luscious. For a lighter twist, you could substitute half-and-half.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory liquid base to the sauce and helps cook the pasta if you choose to finish it in the skillet.
• Cheddar cheese: One cup of shredded cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, providing sharpness and gooey texture. Feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—season gradually and adjust at the end for the best flavor balance.
• Fresh parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds a fresh herbal note and pretty garnish to finish the dish.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Large skillet or sauté pan: A 12-inch skillet is ideal to cook everything in one place.
• Medium pot: For boiling the pasta if you prefer to cook it separately.
• Sharp knife and cutting board: To dice chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the sauce and scraping the bottom of the pan.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To keep ingredients accurate for the best results.

Step-by-Step: Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced green and red bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well, coating all the ingredients in the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Quick Replacement Ideas

• Swap chicken breast with diced turkey breast or firm tofu for a different protein option.
• Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream to keep it dairy-free and still creamy.
• Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
• Replace bell peppers with zucchini or mushrooms if you want a different veggie variation.
• Try penne or rigatoni pasta for a slightly different texture and bite, similar to the Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Penne Chicken Sausage recipe.

Method to the Madness

This recipe shines because it layers flavors thoughtfully: first searing the chicken to lock in juices, then building complexity with sautéed vegetables and garlic. The gradual incorporation of broth and cream creates a velvety sauce that clings to every bowtie pasta piece. Adding cheese at the end ensures it melts smoothly without becoming grainy. Tossing the pasta last prevents it from overcooking, keeping that perfect al dente bite. And the fresh parsley garnish adds just enough brightness to cut through the richness.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms.
• For meal prep, portion into individual containers and garnish fresh parsley just before serving.
• The dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Handy Q&A

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can vary.

How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?

The Cajun seasoning adds moderate warmth and depth of flavor but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount or use a mild Cajun blend to suit your spice preference.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce fat content, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can dice the chicken and vegetables the day before to save prep time. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Keep Cooking

• Explore more comforting pasta dishes like the Honey Mustard Chicken Bowtie Pasta for a tangy twist.
• Try other Cajun-inspired meals such as the Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Penne Chicken Sausage for a seafood twist.
• Check out easy one-pan dinners to simplify your weeknight routine.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces to keep things exciting in the kitchen.

Ready, Set, Cook

Gather your ingredients, heat that skillet, and get ready to whip up this rich, flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers big on taste and big on comfort. Don’t forget to garnish with parsley and pair with a fresh side salad or crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Enjoy every creamy, spicy, cheesy bite!

Share on Pinterest