Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie with Cajun Twist
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, bowtie (farfalle) pasta, garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of Cajun seasoning for warmth. Mild enough to suit Mediterranean flavors if you control the spice, but still rich and comforting.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings:2–3
Ingredients
For the Pasta
200g bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
For the Chicken
200g boneless chicken breast, diced
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon mild Cajun seasoning
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup heavy cream or Greek yogurt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Optional
½ cup baby spinach
Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil water with 1 teaspoon salt.
Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
Cook 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and saute 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in cream (or yogurt) and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan and Cajun seasoning; stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Combine Pasta & Chicken
Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce.
Toss gently to coat evenly.
If using spinach, stir in at this point until wilted.
5. Serve
Plate pasta, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Serve immediately. Optional: add a small lemon wedge for brightness.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning to keep it mild or more flavorful.
For a lighter dish, use Greek yogurt instead of cream.
Can be made gluten-free using gluten-free bowtie pasta.
Tips
Cook chicken in a hot skillet for a nice golden crust.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Adding spinach or cherry tomatoes adds color and extra nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes! Reduce cooking time to 3–4 minutes for shrimp.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
You can prep chicken and pasta separately, but combine with sauce only when serving.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450–500
Protein: 28–32g
Carbs: 35–40g
Fat: 20–22g
Fiber: 3–4g