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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

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If comfort food had a love language, this dish would be it. Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, a bold Cajun kick, and creamy Alfredo for a perfect dinner that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The bowtie pasta cradles the sauce beautifully, while the Cajun seasoning gives the dish that irresistible smoky-spicy edge. It’s a hearty, soul-warming meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

What makes this pasta special is how the flavors balance each other out—creamy Alfredo softens the Cajun spice, garlic deepens the savory notes, and melted cheese ties it all together. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving guests who crave something decadent, this pasta is sure to impress.


What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the star here because its shape holds onto the sauce so well. But if you don’t have bowties on hand, penne or rigatoni are excellent stand-ins. Their ridges and hollows capture the creamy Alfredo sauce in every bite.


Ingredients for the Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

  • Chicken breast – Provides the protein and takes on the Cajun flavors beautifully.
  • Cajun seasoning – The backbone of the dish, offering smoky, spicy, and slightly herbal notes.
  • Garlic – Adds aromatic depth and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
  • Butter – A rich base for both searing the chicken and building the Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy cream – The foundation of the Alfredo sauce, giving it that luscious creaminess.
  • Parmesan cheese – Essential for that salty, nutty depth in the sauce.
  • Mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey, stretchy pockets that make the dish irresistible.
  • Bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Holds the sauce perfectly and looks beautiful on the plate.
  • Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
  • Fresh parsley – A garnish that brightens the dish with a touch of freshness.
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How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and toss them in Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil and a little butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer gently until slightly thickened. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a silky sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and stir to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Finish

Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese until melty and gooey, creating a luscious coating that clings to every bowtie. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or an extra sprinkle of Cajun spice.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. For extra flair, top with more Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.


Serving and Storing Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

This pasta dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet, when the cheese is still stretchy and the sauce coats every bowtie perfectly. If you need to store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce without drying it out. Avoid freezing, as creamy sauces tend to separate after thawing.


What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra Alfredo sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers bring a nice balance of freshness and texture.

Caesar Salad

The crisp crunch of romaine lettuce with creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the rich pasta.

Grilled Asparagus

Lightly charred asparagus adds a smoky, fresh element to your plate.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing side.

Simple Green Beans

Steamed or sautéed green beans with a hint of butter and garlic make a great complement.

Bruschetta

Crispy bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and basil for a lighter starter before diving into the pasta.

Spinach and Strawberry Salad

A sweet-tangy salad that balances the bold flavors of the Cajun chicken pasta.


Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce hits the spot, you’ll love diving into these bold and comforting favorites too:


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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And when you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you turn up the heat with extra Cajun spice? Or maybe add a veggie twist like broccoli or mushrooms?

Sharing your variations not only inspires others but also helps everyone cook smarter. Drop your tips and questions in the comments—I can’t wait to read them!

Explore beautifully curated dinner ideas and bold comfort meals on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite!


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Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce


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  • Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
  • Total Time: 40
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Bold, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort food dish for your weeknight dinner lineup. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken strips are paired with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and tossed in a rich Alfredo sauce made from garlic, butter, cream, and a duo of cheeses. This is one of those quick dinner recipes that’s both satisfying and flavorful—a perfect fit for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you need easy food ideas that taste like a restaurant favorite.


Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta

2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)


Instructions

1. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips and season with Cajun spice, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream, simmer, and whisk in Parmesan until melted into a smooth Alfredo sauce.

6. Add cooked chicken and bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything to coat.

7. Stir in mozzarella until melted. If sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of pasta water.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with optional garnish of chopped parsley or more Cajun seasoning.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest Alfredo texture.

Adjust the Cajun seasoning based on your spice preference. A little goes a long way!

  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 710
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Fat: 42g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

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