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Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Velveeta Garlic Butter Sauce

Dive into the flavors of the South with this spicy and creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta! This dish combines tender chicken strips, bowtie pasta, and a rich Velveeta garlic butter sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to stand out on any dinner table.

Why make this recipe?

Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta is not only delicious but also quick and easy to whip up. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a one-pot meal that satisfies without the fuss. The combination of Cajun spices and creamy Velveeta cheese creates a harmony of flavors that everyone will love. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste!

How to prepare Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients:

🐔 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
🫒 1 tbsp olive oil
🌶️ 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
🔥 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
🧂 Salt & black pepper, to taste
🍝 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
🧈 2 tbsp butter
🧄 3 cloves garlic, minced
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🧀 6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🍗 1/2 cup chicken broth
🌶️ 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
💧 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (if needed for desired creaminess)
🌿 Fresh parsley (for garnish)
🧀 Extra Parmesan (for garnish)
🌶️ Cajun seasoning (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the Velveeta cheese cubes and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

How to serve Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Serve this delightful pasta dish hot, straight from the skillet. You can pair it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to make the meal complete.

How to store Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips for preparing Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor.
Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference.
Use a cast-iron skillet for even heating and a nice sear on the chicken.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Seafood Twist: Swap chicken for shrimp and follow the same instructions for a delightful seafood version.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini.

2. What if I don’t have Velveeta cheese?

If Velveeta cheese isn’t available, you can substitute it with another type of creamy cheese, like cream cheese or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.

3. How spicy is this dish?

This dish has a mild to medium spice level due to the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning. If you like it milder, you can reduce the seasoning or use a mild variation.

Enjoy your cooking! 🍽️