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–+ servings

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Discover the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a kick of spice in this Cajun Chicken Pasta. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick bite-size pieces
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • q.s. Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 18 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 9 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning to tie flavor together
  • q.s. A splash of reserved pasta water if needed
  • q.s. Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cup and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add bowtie pasta, and cook until al dente (10-11 minutes). Reserve a splash of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium; add remaining butter to the skillet, stir in minced garlic, and cook briefly until fragrant.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring gently. Add cubed Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth.
  6. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan to the sauce, stirring until thick and creamy. If too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water. Optionally, add more Cajun seasoning for flavor.
  7. Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce, toss gently to coat, and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve pasta with seared chicken on top or mixed in. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 38gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 860mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Use good quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor. Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key. For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and skim milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, adding milk while reheating to maintain creaminess. This dish can also be frozen for up to a month. Enjoy experimenting with Cajun seasoning in other dishes!
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