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Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Three-Cheese Alfredo Sauce

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A rich, comforting pasta dinner with Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy three-cheese Alfredo sauce, and bowtie pasta, perfect for family dinners or entertaining.

  • Author: daniel-kim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Baking
  • Cuisine: Cajun
  • Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for crusting the chicken
  • 2 ¼ tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 18 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 â…› cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 â…› cups grated Parmesan cheese, for the sauce
  • 3 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¾ tsp dried basil
  • â…œ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • Chopped parsley or dried herbs, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season the sliced chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press the grated Parmesan cheese into the chicken strips to coat.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Sear the Parmesan-coated chicken until browned and cooked through, turning as needed. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it does not burn. Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the remaining butter. Sauté the remaining garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan for the sauce. Stir continuously until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Return the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
  7. Serve the pasta topped with the garlic-Parmesan chicken and garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of dried herbs. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Slice chicken thinly for quick cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daytasty.com/cajun-garlic-parmesan-chicken-bowtie-pasta/