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.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta

2 large chicken breasts

1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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