Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce is a bold, one-skillet pasta that sears Cajun-spiced chicken cubes in olive oil, then coats al dente bowtie pasta in a velvety garlic cream sauce with Velveeta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for gooey indulgence—ideal for weeknights, family dinners, or Cajun cravings with smoky spice and creamy melt. This 30-minute recipe serves 6 at ~660 calories per serving, blending bold heat with garlicky richness. For more herbed pasta ideas, explore our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which enhances creamy sauces like this one.
What is the Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe?
The Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe is a stovetop pasta where bite-sized chicken is seasoned and seared golden, tossed with cooked bowtie pasta in a sauce from milk, Velveeta, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan for ultra-creamy texture—perfect for mains. This spicy essential suits busy cooks with one-skillet efficiency. If you’re craving bold comfort, follow the Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused bakes like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where cheese melts similarly.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
This recipe’s appeal is its fiery garlic punch and seamless creaminess, making it a reliable dinner staple.
Quick One-Skillet Flow
Prep in 10 minutes, cook in 20—sear chicken, build sauce, toss. Ideal for busy nights, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Spicy Garlicky Cheesiness
Cajun heat, buttery sear, and triple cheeses create rich, velvety bites—customize flakes for kick, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
All in one skillet, using staples like Velveeta for melt—stress-free, much like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile Comfort Dish
Serves 6; add veggies for nutrition. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-carb mix at ~660 calories/serving; bold yet balanced, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Glossy sauce over golden chicken—garnish parsley for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free bowtie pasta, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Main Dish, Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Cajun
Ingredients
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Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Sauce & Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Build Roux: In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a light roux. Slowly pour in 3 cups milk while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add Cheeses: Lower the heat and add 8 oz Velveeta cubes and 4 oz softened cream cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Mix in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan, stirring until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken and bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing gently until everything is coated in the rich Velveeta garlic Cajun sauce. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~660 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Lean protein; cube for even cooking.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For searing.
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp): Smoky heat base.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Aroma.
- Smoked Paprika (½ tsp): Depth.
Sauce & Pasta Ingredients
- Bowtie Pasta (12 oz): Fun shape holds sauce; GF bowtie for alternatives like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Roux base.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Bold flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): Thickener.
- Milk (3 cups): Creamy sauce.
- Velveeta (8 oz, cubed): Smooth melt.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella (1 cup): Gooey pull.
- Grated Parmesan (¼ cup): Umami.
- Salt & Pepper: Balance.
These create spicy, creamy pasta.
How to Make Perfect Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe
Focus on roux and tossing for essential creaminess.
Step 1: Pasta Prep
Boil salted water; cook bowtie al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain—essential for sauce cling.
Step 2: Season and Cook Chicken
Toss cubes with oil, Cajun, garlic powder, paprika. Sear 6–8 minutes until golden (165°F). Builds flavor, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Roux Build
Melt butter; sauté garlic 1 minute. Whisk flour 1–2 minutes—essential for smooth sauce.
Step 4: Sauce Creation
Add milk gradually; thicken 3–5 minutes. Stir in Velveeta/cream cheese until melted, then mozzarella/Parmesan for gloss (2–3 minutes). Season.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss pasta/chicken in sauce. Garnish parsley/chives.
Inspired by cheesy pastas? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers sauce tips. For a classic external take, try this Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe from Allrecipes, which builds spice in cream.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat stovetop with milk splash. Freeze portions 2 months (sauce separate); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, separated sauce, mold—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, portion for al dente.)
Tips and Variations
Use fresh garlic; don’t overcook chicken. Variations: Add bell peppers or spinach; lighten with half-and-half. For vegan, use plant-based alternatives. Essential: Whisk roux constantly for smoothness. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust Cajun.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce is a bold, creamy essential for indulgent pastas—spicy, cheesy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to main. From picks to storage, success every twirl. Cook ahead, toss and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs.