Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

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If you’re craving a dish that hits every savory note while giving you just the right amount of spice, Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce is the perfect answer. This recipe brings comfort and excitement together in one bowl. It starts with tender Cajun-spiced chicken, tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, and smothered in a velvety garlic cheese sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta. It’s creamy, spicy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—the kind of dinner that makes you pause and say, “Wow.”

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests with a meal that looks and tastes gourmet, this pasta doesn’t disappoint. It’s rich without being too heavy, indulgent but still approachable, and it invites endless variations with veggies, different cheeses, or even shrimp instead of chicken. Once you make it, it just might earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

This dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel like a restaurant special. The Cajun seasoning brings a warm, smoky heat that wakes up your palate, while the creamy garlic cheese sauce smooths it all out with lush, cheesy goodness. Bowtie pasta holds onto all that creamy sauce beautifully, and the seared chicken offers a juicy bite in every forkful.

The beauty of this meal lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep, uses common pantry ingredients, and is incredibly flexible if you want to throw in mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Plus, it reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers the next day.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best with Creamy Cajun Chicken?

Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is a fantastic choice here, and not just because it looks cute in your bowl. Its ridged texture and pinched middle are great for grabbing onto the rich garlic cheese sauce and bits of chicken. But if you’re out of bowtie pasta, don’t worry. Penne, rotini, or rigatoni can all step in and do the job. Just make sure to use a pasta shape that has enough surface area or grooves to catch all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce

To make this bold and creamy pasta dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that bring serious flavor. Each one plays a key role in layering spice, creaminess, and cheesy goodness into every bite.

• Chicken breasts
• Bowtie pasta
• Cajun seasoning
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

The chicken breasts are the main protein, seasoned generously with Cajun seasoning to bring smoky spice. Bowtie pasta serves as the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce, holding onto flavor in every fold. Olive oil is used for searing the chicken, while garlic cloves are sautéed in butter to start the aromatic base of the sauce.

Cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella form the rich, cheesy garlic sauce. A bit of salt and pepper helps balance and boost the overall flavor.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic 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 according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips and coat them generously with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Once it starts to thicken, add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted into a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the garlic cheese sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is best served immediately while the cheese sauce is still warm and silky. Pile it into wide, shallow bowls so the sauce stays evenly distributed, and top it with a little sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs for added flair. It’s hearty and filling enough to stand on its own, making it an easy all-in-one dinner option.

This recipe comfortably feeds about 4 to 5 people, depending on portion sizes. Leftovers store beautifully, too. Just let the pasta cool, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crisp, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect side to scoop up any extra sauce left in your bowl.

Simple Garden Salad

Keep it fresh with a green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The acidity balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Oven-roasted broccoli adds texture and a pop of earthy flavor that works really well with Cajun spices.

Grilled Asparagus

This slightly charred veggie brings a bright and savory edge to the creamy pasta.

Cajun Corn on the Cob

Lean into the Cajun theme by serving corn with a spiced butter rub—sweet and spicy in one bite.

Sauteed Zucchini

Quick-cooked zucchini slices make a light, buttery side that doesn’t overpower the main dish.

Sparkling Lemon Water

Not a food, but a refreshing drink like lemon water or citrus iced tea helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Rounds

Crispy, cheesy zucchini bites are an excellent crunchy companion. Try the version from Luna Meals for a simple oven-baked option!

Want More Chicken Pasta Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta, here are a few more crave-worthy meals to add to your pasta night menu:

• Try our comforting Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for creamy depth with a garlicky twist.

• Enjoy the bold, cheesy spice of our Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for an even faster take on Cajun flavor.

• Looking for something lighter? The Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken is fresh, herby, and great chilled.

• Our fan-favorite Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken brings bold flavor and creamy filling to every forkful.

• Add a cozy twist with Creamy Mushroom Ravioli that’s perfect for an indulgent night in.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up even more or stick to the classic sauce? Add shrimp instead of chicken? I’m always excited to hear how you put your own twist on this creamy Cajun pasta.

Explore beautifully curated weeknight dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover new favorites to try every night of the week.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce is a perfect mix of comfort food and Cajun heat. From the seasoned chicken to the luscious garlic cheese sauce, every bite delivers bold flavor with rich, creamy texture. It’s an easy go-to for weeknights, dinner parties, or when you just need something truly satisfying. So grab your skillet and let this dish bring some extra flavor to your kitchen.

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