Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken breast, bite-sized
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then brown the chicken in the skillet until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Build Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Cheese: Whisk in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Then stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top before serving hot.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to maintain texture when mixed with the sauce.
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level.
- Using fresh garlic enhances the flavor but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated; the sauce may thicken and can be loosened with a splash of cream or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American