Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan meal with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious cheesy Cajun cream sauce.
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium pot
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound diced chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Swap chicken breast with turkey breast or firm tofu for different protein options.
- Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free variation.