Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)

A deliciously creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor, Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce is the kind of meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant — but you can make it at home in under 30 minutes. Imagine smoky Cajun-spiced chicken seared to perfection, served over buttery bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky cheese sauce that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.

The tender chunks of grilled chicken contrast beautifully with the smooth, cheesy sauce, and the bowtie pasta holds it all together like a flavor sponge. Finished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan, this dish is perfect for both casual weeknights and date-night dinners. It’s a creamy, spicy, savory crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Bold Flavor in Every Bite: The Cajun seasoning brings smoky, spicy depth to the juicy chicken.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The garlic cheese sauce is rich and velvety, perfect for clinging to bowtie pasta.
Quick & Easy: Ready in around 30 minutes, it’s an ideal option for busy nights.
Restaurant-Worthy: It tastes gourmet but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home.
Flexible & Customizable: Spice level, add-ins like veggies, or pasta type can all be adjusted to your taste.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

This flavorful dish relies on a few powerhouse ingredients that all play a vital role in balancing spice, richness, and texture:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfect for absorbing all the smoky Cajun flavors when seared.
Cajun Seasoning: Brings the bold, spicy-sweet profile to the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully with its ridged texture and whimsical shape.
Heavy Cream: The base of the garlic cheese sauce, delivering luscious creaminess.
Garlic (Minced): Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, salty richness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Offers a creamy, stretchy quality that binds the sauce together.
Butter: Used to saute the garlic and add a buttery flavor to the sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps in searing the chicken for a perfect golden crust.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of color and freshness to finish.
Diced Tomatoes (optional): For a juicy, slightly acidic balance that cuts through the richness.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden-brown. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and saute minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Lower the heat, then stir in heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes before adding parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Slice the rested chicken and lay it over the creamy pasta. If using diced tomatoes, sprinkle them on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

This pasta dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet. The creamy garlic cheese sauce is at its peak right after cooking, when it’s silky and coats every bite. It feeds about 4 people generously, making it ideal for a family dinner or when you’re hosting a couple of friends.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back its creamy consistency and warm gently over medium heat.

Avoid freezing this dish as the cheese sauce can separate when thawed.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Garlic Bread

A classic pairing! Crisp, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of the sauce.

Caesar Salad

The crunch of romaine and tangy Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

A simple vegetable side that brings balance and freshness to your meal.

Roasted Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus adds an elegant touch and a pop of color.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn with a bit of butter pairs well with the bold Cajun spices.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a cool and juicy complement to the warm, cheesy dish.

Sauteed Spinach

Quick-cooked spinach with a hint of garlic adds nutrients and a vibrant green color.

A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

The crisp acidity of these wines cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While bowtie pasta is great for catching the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine are all excellent alternatives.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To crank up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the garlic cheese sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works great for saving time. Just season it with Cajun spices before tossing into the sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch can be used, though the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra spicy or keep it mellow? Did you sneak in any veggies?
I love hearing how others personalize these recipes. Questions are welcome too — let’s make dinnertime easier, one dish at a time.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce is everything you want in a comfort food: rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. With its quick cooking time and restaurant-quality taste, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special dinners. Try it once, and it just might become a regular on your table.