This Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a fun and tasty one-pan meal. With juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and spicy Cajun seasoning, it’s bursting with flavor!
Cooking it in just one skillet means less mess, and who doesn’t love easy cleanup? I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top—because more cheese makes everything better, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a time-saver. Alternatively, you can use shrimp or sausage for a different flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: The seasoning adds a wonderful kick. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder will work well. Adjust to your taste preferences!
Pasta: Bowtie pasta is fun and holds the sauce nicely. You can swap it for penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Heavy Cream: This makes the dish creamy and rich. If you want to lighten it up, half-and-half or a thickness vegan option like coconut cream can be good substitutions.
How Do I Ensure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta to perfection is key for this dish! Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Cooking it right with the broth and cream adds flavor—don’t just boil it in water!
- Stir occasionally while it simmers. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Check for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time to keep it al dente—just a bit firm!
Enjoy the process and don’t hesitate to adjust the flavors to your liking! Happy cooking!
Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
Time Needed
This delicious Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet will take about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes around 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Instructions
1. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until they are well coated. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté the veggies for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Next, stir in the bowtie pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
4. Mix in Chicken and Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well to combine. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is creamy. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet hot!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Simply add it in when you combine the chicken back into the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking to heat it through.
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts paprika and garlic powder, then adding dried oregano and thyme to taste. Adjust according to your heat preference, too!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with your choice of protein, such as firm tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens up.
