This Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a fun and tasty meal! It combines colorful bowtie pasta with juicy chicken, all mixed together in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a punch.
Cooking it in one skillet means less mess for me, which I love! Plus, the kids adore the shapes of the pasta. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and a little kick. What’s not to love?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but you can use vegetable or canola oil if you prefer or if it’s what you have on hand.
Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized cubes for quicker cooking. You could swap for chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cajun Seasoning: This is where the flavor comes alive! If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using half the amount or substituting with a milder spice blend like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color. Feel free to use other bell pepper colors, or even diced zucchini for a veggie boost.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can replace it with half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk also works if you want a dairy-free version – just be aware it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Getting that creamy, dream-like sauce requires a bit of technique, but it’s simple! Start by cooking your chicken well before adding any other ingredients. This helps build flavor.
- After sautéing the garlic and bell pepper, immediately add the uncooked pasta, broth, and cream. Stir to ensure nothing sticks.
- Stay attentive while the pasta simmers. You want it to absorb most of the liquid, so occasionally give it a stir to keep it from sticking.
- When you add the cheese, remove it from heat quickly to keep the sauce smooth. Stir until everything is combined nicely.
Using freshly shredded cheese will make it melt better than pre-shredded options. Enjoy your creamy Cajun pasta!
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust as per your spice preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook! In just a short amount of time, you can have a delicious, creamy dinner on the table ready to enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken. Sprinkle it with the Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Cook the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until the peppers are soft and the garlic becomes fragrant. This adds a lovely flavor to the dish!
3. Add the Pasta and Liquids:
Next, toss the uncooked bowtie pasta into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine. Make sure all the pasta is covered with liquid, so it cooks evenly.
4. Simmer the Mixture:
Bring the skillet mixture to a simmer. Cover it with a lid and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed!
5. Combine Chicken and Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste it and add salt and black pepper as needed for seasoning.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color. Enjoy this creamy, spicy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with family and friends!
This one-skillet meal is not just easy to make, but it’s also super delicious, offering a wonderful mix of flavors that everyone will love!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta adds a fun touch, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require adjustments.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the cheese. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or other spicy peppers for an extra kick!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that using a thinner liquid might result in a less creamy sauce, so you might want to reduce the broth a bit to compensate.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess, stirring occasionally for even heating.
