Name: Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 2–3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Reserved pasta water (as needed)

I absolutely love a hearty pasta dish that comes together in one skillet, and this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet has quickly become one of my go-to recipes. The rich, velvety sauce infused with smoky Cajun spices perfectly complements the tender bites of seared chicken, all nestled among perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s one of those comforting meals that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table fast.

What I enjoy most about this dish is how easily it comes together on a busy night, yet it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant. The bold flavors from the Cajun seasoning marry beautifully with the creamy sauce, and the texture of the bowtie pasta holds everything together so well. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

This pasta skillet offers a fantastic balance of creamy and spicy flavors that can easily be tailored to your personal taste. The entire dish is made in one pan (aside from boiling the pasta), which means fewer dishes to wash later. You’ll appreciate how versatile it is—perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a more elevated weekend meal. Plus, the combination of textures from the juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce keeps every bite interesting. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

I often get asked what type of Cajun seasoning works best for this dish. The truth is, it really depends on how much heat and depth of flavor you like. I personally love using a store-bought Cajun blend that has a good balance of smokiness, paprika, garlic, and just the right kick of heat. If you prefer more control over the spice level, you can easily make your own blend at home using paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. That way, you can adjust each element to suit your palate perfectly.

Options for Substitutions

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how flexible it can be. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, feel free to use penne, rotini, or even fettuccine—anything that holds sauce well. For the protein, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully if you want an even juicier bite. You could also swap in shrimp for a seafood twist or go completely vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

If you’re looking to lighten up the cream sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or even a combination of cream cheese and milk for a slightly tangier finish. For those avoiding dairy altogether, there are some great unsweetened plant-based cream options that can give you a similar richness.

Ingredients for This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Chicken breast
The star of this dish! I use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender, juicy bites that sear beautifully and soak up all the Cajun flavor.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
This fun-shaped pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly in its folds, giving you a flavorful bite every time.

Cajun seasoning
Essential for delivering that smoky, spicy kick. It brings the entire dish to life with bold flavor.

Heavy cream
Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to the pasta and chicken, giving the dish its signature richness.

Parmesan cheese
Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce and finishes the dish with a savory flourish.

Garlic
A few cloves of minced garlic add aromatic warmth and round out the flavor of the sauce.

Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken, helping it achieve a golden crust while keeping it juicy inside.

Butter
A touch of butter enriches the sauce and balances the spice of the Cajun seasoning.

Salt & pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish.

Fresh parsley
Sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness and color that makes the dish pop visually and brightens each bite.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set it aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to incorporate the browned bits from the pan into the sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Return Chicken to Skillet

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Cajun chicken pasta!

How Long to Cook the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

This dish comes together fairly quickly, making it perfect for weeknights. Here’s a general timeline:

Pasta: 8–10 minutes to cook until al dente.
Chicken: About 8–10 minutes total to sear and cook through.
Sauce: Around 5–7 minutes to build the sauce and incorporate the cheese.
Final assembly: 2–3 minutes to toss everything together and let flavors meld.

In total, you’re looking at about 25–30 minutes from start to finish!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet

Use freshly grated Parmesan — It melts more smoothly into the sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
Don’t overcook the chicken — Searing it on medium-high heat gives a nice crust while keeping it juicy inside.
Reserve pasta water — It’s a great tool for thinning the sauce without losing flavor.
Balance the spice — Taste as you go! You can always add more Cajun seasoning if you love extra heat, or tone it down with more cream.
Let the sauce simmer gently — A slow simmer helps thicken the sauce and meld all those delicious flavors without breaking the cream.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken
If you crowd the pan, the chicken will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed for that golden crust.
Skipping the reserved pasta water
It may seem like a small step, but pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Overcooking the pasta
You want the bowtie pasta to be al dente so it holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy once tossed in the sauce.
Adding too much Cajun seasoning too early
Cajun seasoning can intensify as it simmers. Start with a moderate amount and adjust toward the end.
Letting the sauce boil
A gentle simmer is best. Boiling can cause the cream to break and the sauce to become grainy.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet?

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Steamed Broccoli

A light, healthy side that pairs beautifully with the bold Cajun flavors.

Grilled Asparagus

Adds a smoky, slightly charred note to the meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their nutty caramelized flavor works great with the creamy sauce.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet corn balances the spice of the dish and brings a touch of summer.

Sautéed Spinach

A simple, nutritious side that doesn’t compete with the main flavors.

Chilled Glass of White Wine

Something like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy, spicy pasta perfectly.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this pasta stores beautifully:

Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce as it warms.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, affecting the texture.

Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general estimate per serving (based on a recipe serving 4):

Calories: ~600–650 kcal
Protein: ~35–40g
Carbohydrates: ~45–50g
Fat: ~30–35g
Saturated Fat: ~15–18g
Fiber: ~2–3g
Sugar: ~2–4g
Sodium: ~700–900mg

It’s a rich and satisfying dish—definitely a treat to savor!

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It depends on your Cajun seasoning and how much you use. I recommend starting with a moderate amount and adding more to taste if you like it spicier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead and store them separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together to reheat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, fettuccine, or any pasta that holds sauce well will work.

How do I make it lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach make great additions.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes. If using rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, simply warm it in the sauce toward the end to avoid overcooking.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free as well.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will keep for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but is simple enough for any night of the week. The creamy, smoky, spicy sauce paired with tender chicken and hearty pasta is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to spice up your usual dinner routine or impress guests, this recipe is a must-try. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen as it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!