This Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a tasty one-pan meal bursting with flavor! With tender chicken, colorful veggies, and a spicy Cajun kick, it’s sure to please your taste buds.
Making this dish is as easy as boiling pasta! I love how everything cooks together in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, who doesn’t love a little spice in their life? 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: The fun shape of bowtie pasta holds the sauce wonderfully. However, you can swap it for any pasta you have, like penne or fusilli. Just follow the cooking time on the package!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a great choice. If you want an easier option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or even shrimp for a different twist!
Cajun Seasoning: This adds the spicy flavor we love. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts paprika, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the heat to your liking!
Heavy Cream: Cream gives a rich texture, but you could use half-and-half for a lighter dish. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want something milder, mozzarella is a lovely choice! You can also mix cheese types if you’re feeling adventurous.
How Do You Master the Cajun Cooking Technique?
The heart of this dish lies in the bold Cajun flavor. This can be easily achieved by properly seasoning each layer of the dish. Make sure to remember these steps:
- Start by browning the chicken well; this adds depth to the dish. Don’t overcrowd the pan to get that nice sear!
- When cooking the vegetables, sauté until they are tender but still colorful. This keeps the nutrients and bright flavor.
- Add liquid gradually, letting it simmer to enhance flavors. This step also thickens your sauce without losing its punch.
- Finally, mix everything just until the cheese is melted—overdoing it can make it clump!
With these tips, your Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet will be full of flavor and a real winning meal! Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1-2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
Liquids and Cheese:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Seasoning and Garnish:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle them with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until they’re fragrant and translucent.
4. Add the Bell Peppers:
Next, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the peppers are tender.
5. Season the Vegetables:
Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and, if you like it spicy, the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat your veggies evenly with the spices.
6. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
7. Combine It All:
Reduce the heat and add the cooked chicken and drained pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together to make sure each piece is coated with that delicious sauce.
8. Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
9. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top (if desired).
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet immediately. It’s a flavorful, creamy dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta works great in this recipe, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, add extra Cajun seasoning or include more crushed red pepper flakes to the dish. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an additional kick!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! To make this meal vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with a mixture of your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or even chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’re good to go!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up!
