A cozy, creamy pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and bowtie pasta in a rich cheese sauce.
Author:emma-brooks
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:N/A
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1 lb bowtie pasta
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
4 tbsp butter, divided
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and salt to taste.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt 2 tbsp of the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk together the 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup milk until smooth. Add this mixture to the skillet while stirring to combine and start to thicken.
Gradually stir in the 4 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Mix in the 4 oz cream cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
Add the cooked pasta and the reserved chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently until everything is well coated in the cheesy cream sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and place under a broiler until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Let the sauce simmer gently and stir often when adding cheeses to maintain a smooth texture.