SPICY CHICKEN BOWTIE PASTA
INGREDIENTS:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz bowtie pasta
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and
set aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
While the sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce.
Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Calories: Approx. 650 per serving
Serve with Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread
My favorite new pasta dish and our family devours it..ENJOY 🙂
If you're a fan of bold, spicy flavors combined with creamy textures, this Spicy Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a must-try. The Cajun seasoning paired with smoked paprika and optional red pepper flakes gives the chicken an irresistible kick that complements the smooth Parmesan Alfredo sauce beautifully. One tip I’ve found helpful is to reserve a bit of the pasta water when draining the bowtie pasta. Adding this starchy water to the sauce helps the sauce cling better to the pasta, giving each bite a rich and creamy coating. When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet so the chicken strips brown evenly and develop a nice sear. This adds a layer of flavor that enhances the overall dish. Also, using fresh minced garlic and real Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated or processed versions makes a noticeable difference in taste. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh Caesar salad and crispy garlic bread, balancing the spice with some cool greens and buttery bread. For those who enjoy extra heat, sprinkling a little more red pepper flakes on top just before serving can elevate the spiciness without overwhelming the dish. The recipe serves about 4 to 5 people and clocks in around 650 calories per serving, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. From my personal experience, it’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this Spicy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is sure to impress and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
