Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce 1

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Get ready for the kind of pasta dinner that leaves everyone at the table swooning. Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is a rich, creamy, flavorful explosion of comfort and spice. Picture tender chunks of Cajun-spiced chicken nestled into al dente bowtie pasta, coated in a silky homemade Alfredo sauce infused with garlic and melted cheese. Every bite is a balance of bold and creamy.

This dish brings the soul of the South to your plate with its Cajun kick, but it wraps everything in the soothing familiarity of Alfredo. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or just want to upgrade your weeknight dinner game, this one-pot wonder hits all the marks. It’s a little indulgent, super satisfying, and ready to make a regular appearance on your menu.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This recipe offers more than just good taste. It’s quick enough for a weekday but flavorful enough to serve for a cozy date night. The Alfredo sauce isn’t just creamy; it’s loaded with cheese and slow-cooked garlic that makes every bite unforgettable. The Cajun seasoning adds a smoky depth without overwhelming the palate. And the bowtie pasta? It holds onto the sauce beautifully, making every forkful just as exciting as the last.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. They soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully and stay juicy once seared and simmered in sauce. If you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can also step in and still give you a flavor-packed meal.

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

This creamy Cajun pasta is built on bold seasoning, smooth textures, and rich cheesy depth. The ingredients work together to deliver balance, heat, and a luscious finish. Each element serves a purpose, so don’t skip out!

  • Bowtie pasta
  • Chicken breasts
  • Cajun seasoning
  • Salted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Cream cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper
Pin this Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce 2

How To Make the Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts into bite-size chunks. Coat them well with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and saute minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add cream cheese, stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Follow with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan, stirring until completely melted and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in the sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. Let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Plate the pasta while hot and creamy. Garnish with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and added flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One of the easiest ways to lose the magic in this dish is by overcooking the chicken. Cajun spice can quickly become bitter if burned, so keep your heat moderate and watch closely. Another common misstep is letting the Alfredo sauce boil. This causes it to break, resulting in a grainy texture. Keep it at a gentle simmer and stir constantly once you add the cheese.

Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water either. It’s a simple trick that can save your sauce if it becomes too thick. Lastly, season gradually—especially since Cajun spice blends often include salt. Taste as you go.

How to Serve and Store This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is rich and filling, perfect for feeding about 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy family meal or plate it individually for something a bit more elevated.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream during reheating to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce?

Garlic Bread with Herb Butter

Crispy on the outside, buttery and herby on the inside. This is a no-brainer companion.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with romaine, parmesan, and creamy dressing brings fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds crunch and earthy balance, and it’s simple to toss on a pan alongside dinner.

Grilled Asparagus

With a light char and touch of lemon, it complements the bold Cajun and creamy notes.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Their umami depth fits right in with creamy sauces.

Southern Cornbread

Adds a slight sweetness and fluffy texture that plays nicely with the savory pasta.

Chilled White Wine

A glass of something crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness for a perfect pairing.

Pickled Jalapeños

If you want to dial up the heat and add some tang, these are your answer.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you loved this cheesy garlic Cajun chicken pasta, you might want to check out more bold and creamy dishes that bring the comfort with a little twist:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re craving more garlic goodness.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a fuss-free weeknight winner.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with tomato-kissed cream sauce.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a red meat spin on the creamy Cajun vibe.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need a flavorful, satisfying meal idea.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use thighs or breasts? Maybe added mushrooms or spicy sausage? I’m always excited to hear your spins on these recipes.

Explore beautifully curated creamy pastas and bold Southern dishes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and find your next favorite dinner idea.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is one of those meals that checks every box. It’s quick to prep, delivers serious flavor, and leaves everyone satisfied. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta brings the creamy Cajun comfort you didn’t know you needed—until now.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce 1

Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Nina Klatten
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Creamy, bold, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort dish. Perfectly seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce make this Cajun pasta recipe a weeknight favorite. Ideal for creamy pasta lovers craving something with a Southern kick.


Ingredients

1 lb bowtie pasta

1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cubed

1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp salted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

4 oz cream cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

1. Slice chicken into bite-size chunks and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain.

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

5. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth.

7. Mix in mozzarella and parmesan cheese until fully melted into a creamy sauce.

8. Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.

9. Stir everything to coat evenly. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

10. Let simmer for 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan or fresh parsley.

Notes

Use thighs instead of breasts for more richness.

Don’t let the sauce boil — it can break the texture.

Taste the sauce before adding extra salt, as Cajun seasoning usually contains salt.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 790mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star