Craving something that hits all the marks—creamy, spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying? This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is the bold comfort dish you didn’t know you needed. With its smoky seared chicken, velvety cheese sauce, and tender bowtie pasta, it delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

The star of this dish is the Cajun-spiced chicken, beautifully blackened in the pan to create a crisp edge while locking in juicy flavor. It’s paired with a silky mozzarella cheese sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta, making each bite indulgent yet balanced. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner, a meal-prep winner, or a dish to impress your dinner guests—this one fits the bill.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create this flavor-packed meal, a few reliable kitchen tools will elevate the cooking process and final results:

Cast Iron Skillet or Heavy Frying Pan: Essential for searing the Cajun chicken. It helps form that signature charred crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Large Pot: You’ll need this to cook your bowtie pasta until perfectly al dente.
Medium Saucepan: Used for building the creamy mozzarella sauce with even heat distribution.
Whisk: Helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce when stirring in cheese and cream.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing the chicken into clean, even strips.

Having these tools on hand not only ensures smoother preparation but also guarantees that each component of the recipe cooks properly and delivers maximum flavor.

Ingredients for the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): This shape holds the creamy sauce in its ridges, giving texture and body to every bite.
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that takes on Cajun seasoning beautifully and develops a golden crust.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings heat and smoky depth to the chicken; the heart of the dish’s bold flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a stretchy, creamy base that pairs well with the spices without overpowering them.
Heavy Cream: Lends the sauce its richness and luxurious consistency.
Butter: Used for starting the sauce and adding buttery flavor notes.
Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic intensity to the sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances and balances all other flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh, herby finish that lightens the dish visually and taste-wise.

How To Make the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Coat the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil, then sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until charred and cooked through. Let it rest, then slice thinly.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until it starts to thicken. Gradually add shredded mozzarella cheese, whisking continuously to melt it into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the mozzarella sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it. Stir gently to coat every piece.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Divide the creamy pasta into plates or bowls and top each with sliced Cajun chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley for garnish and extra flair.

How to Serve and Store Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken

Serve this dish piping hot, ideally straight from the stovetop. It’s perfect on its own but can be paired with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a more complete meal.

For leftovers, store the pasta and chicken in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning does bring some heat, but you can control the spice level by using less or choosing a mild Cajun blend.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work well with the creamy sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended as the cheese sauce may separate upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

What’s a good garnish alternative to parsley?

Chopped green onions or fresh basil can also complement the flavors beautifully.

Want More Cajun Pasta Ideas?

For more Cajun-infused comfort, try the Easy Cajun Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli, which brings a veggie twist to the table. Or go bold with the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta for a deeper barbecue note.

If you love layering sauces, check out the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a spicy, saucy bake. Looking for beefy comfort instead? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta might hit the spot.

Or if you’re in a meal-prep mood, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce keeps things creamy and satisfying.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try smoked paprika? Did you go extra cheesy? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

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Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is a creamy, spicy, and indulgent dinner favorite. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken is pan-seared to perfection, then layered over tender bowtie pasta coated in a silky mozzarella cheese sauce. A simple yet impressive dish ideal for weeknights or entertaining.

Instructions

1. Season both sides of chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until charred and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of pasta water.

4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Gradually whisk in mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.

6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Serve pasta topped with sliced Cajun chicken. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra depth, try using smoked mozzarella or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce.

If your sauce thickens too much while cooling, stir in a splash of milk while reheating.

You can prep the chicken a day in advance and store it sliced to save time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 610
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, mozzarella sauce