Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce

Bowtie pasta with creamy Cajun chicken and mozzarella cheese sauce is the kind of comfort food that combines bold flavors with a velvety texture. Every forkful brings together the warmth of Cajun spices, the tender bite of chicken, and the cheesy richness of mozzarella sauce, all hugged by perfectly cooked bowtie pasta.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, weeknight meals that feel special, or even entertaining friends who love a little spice in their pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of character without being complicated to make.
Why You’ll Love This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
You’ll love this recipe because it brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The Cajun spices provide a lively kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy mozzarella sauce, creating a balance of spice and smoothness. Plus, bowtie pasta adds a playful shape that holds the sauce well, making every bite indulgent.
Can I Use Another Pasta Instead of Bowtie?
Yes, you can. While bowtie pasta (farfalle) is especially great for capturing the creamy sauce in its folds, you can easily swap it for penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. The recipe works well with any pasta that has enough surface to carry the Cajun-seasoned chicken and cheese sauce.
Ingredients for the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
This recipe calls for simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays an important role in creating a dish that is creamy, slightly spicy, and absolutely satisfying.
- Bowtie pasta: The base of the dish, holding the sauce perfectly in every fold.
- Chicken breast: Lean protein that soaks up the Cajun seasoning.
- Cajun seasoning: Provides the signature kick of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding richness.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The foundation of the creamy sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a silky, cheesy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and enhances the creaminess.
- Butter: Boosts richness and flavor in the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning and balance.
- Fresh parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh, colorful finish.


How To Make the Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then pour in heavy cream. Stir and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Add the bowtie pasta and toss until everything is coated evenly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy the rich, creamy Cajun flavors in every bite.
Serving and Storing Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
This pasta dish makes a generous portion that comfortably feeds 4 people, making it a perfect family dinner option. The creamy sauce clings to the bowtie pasta, ensuring each serving is hearty and satisfying.
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture of the sauce.
What to Serve With Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce?
Garlic Bread
Crispy, buttery garlic bread makes the ultimate companion to soak up the extra sauce.
Green Salad
A fresh salad with crisp greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while pairing well with the creamy Cajun flavors.
Roasted Asparagus
The slightly charred flavor of roasted asparagus provides a nice contrast to the cheesy sauce.
Grilled Zucchini
Lightly grilled zucchini rounds add a smoky, summery side that complements the spice.
Caesar Salad
Classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing offers a refreshing counterpart.
Sauteed Spinach
Quickly sautéed spinach with garlic adds earthy depth without overwhelming the main dish.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you love this Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting pasta dishes too:
• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni with savory sausage and rich Alfredo cream.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for when you’re craving Cajun flavors in a hurry.
• Rattlesnake Pasta for a bold and spicy pasta night.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine that’s full of buttery, garlicky goodness.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you prefer a rich, earthy vegetarian option.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it anytime. It’s the perfect pasta dish to keep on hand for nights when you want something creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor.
And let me know how your version turns out. Did you add extra spice to the Cajun seasoning? Maybe you swapped mozzarella for provolone? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own, so feel free to share your tips and twists.
Explore beautifully curated pasta and dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find your next go-to dish!
Conclusion
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce is more than just a pasta recipe. It’s a dish that blends creamy comfort with zesty Cajun spice, making it perfect for both casual weeknight meals and special gatherings. Whether you serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables, this recipe is bound to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Cajun Chicken and Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Cajun chicken bowtie pasta is a quick weeknight dinner loaded with tender chicken, farfalle, and a silky mozzarella cream sauce spiked with Cajun seasoning. This easy Cajun pasta is rich, cheesy, and ready in about 40 minutes. Keywords: creamy Cajun chicken pasta, bowtie pasta, mozzarella cheese sauce, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop pasta.
Ingredients
12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.
6. Lower the heat and whisk in mozzarella and Parmesan until the sauce turns smooth and creamy.
7. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes; add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
8. Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet and toss to coat.
9. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and fold gently until every piece is coated; finish with lemon juice and parsley.
10. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy Cajun sauce in every bite.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheeses for a smoother, silkier sauce.
Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred heat level and saltiness.
Reserve pasta water; its starch helps loosen and emulsify the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25–1.5 cups
- Calories: 900
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 970 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 29 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg