Description
A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish with a spicy Cajun kick, featuring tender chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the chicken)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Press ½ cup grated Parmesan onto chicken.
- Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet. Cook chicken for 4–6 minutes until golden-brown and cooked through.
- Add 1 tablespoon butter and half the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir, then remove chicken and set aside.
- Melt remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Sauté remaining garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth.
- Gradually stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and ¾ cup Parmesan until the sauce is thick and velvety.
- Season sauce with Italian seasoning and dried basil. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Serve pasta with chicken on top, garnished with parsley.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream.
- This dish is best served immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American