When comfort food meets bold Southern flavor, you get Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce. This dish is the perfect marriage of creamy, spicy, and cheesy, all swirled into bowtie pasta and juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken. Each bite wraps around your taste buds like a warm hug with a little kick.

Whether you need a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish that steals the show at your next dinner party, this pasta is your answer. It offers the satisfying depth of a creamy Alfredo, amped up with Cajun spice and smothered in a silky garlic cheese sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that makes people ask for seconds—and maybe even thirds.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is more than just flavor-packed; it’s also wonderfully balanced. The smoky heat from the Cajun seasoning contrasts perfectly with the creaminess of the garlic cheese sauce, while the bowtie pasta gives it that fun, elegant flair. It’s easy to make, incredibly filling, and offers just the right amount of indulgence. Plus, it only takes one skillet and one pot to bring it all together.

What Kind of Cajun Seasoning Should I Use?

The kind of Cajun seasoning you use can make a big difference in how the final dish tastes. If you like heat, go for a bold blend with cayenne and paprika up front. If you’re sensitive to spice, choose a milder version with more emphasis on herbs like thyme and oregano. You can use store-bought or make your own blend if you like more control over the flavor profile. Either way, seasoning the chicken generously is key to building that base of flavor.

Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

To bring this bold and creamy pasta dish to life, you need a handful of flavorful ingredients that work together to create depth and comfort in every bite. The beauty of this recipe is how each element layers in flavor, making it feel like something you’d order at a cozy southern-style bistro.

Bowtie pasta
Boneless chicken breasts
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Butter
Garlic cloves
Cream cheese
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Each ingredient plays an important role here. Bowtie pasta gives the dish its playful texture and holds the sauce perfectly. Chicken breasts serve as the protein star, and when coated in Cajun seasoning, they deliver the smoky heat. The trio of olive oil, butter, and garlic starts the flavor base, while cream cheese, heavy cream, and the blend of Parmesan and Mozzarella build the irresistible cheesy sauce. Finish with a touch of salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley to freshen things up.

How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and coat them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then add cream cheese and stir until it melts and combines. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Stir in the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of green. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta

This dish is a meal in itself, but the way you serve it can elevate the entire experience. Serve it hot right off the stove, garnished with a handful of chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. The pasta is creamy and rich, so it pairs wonderfully with something crisp or fresh on the side.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta feeds about 4 to 6 people depending on portion size. It makes for a generous weeknight dinner and leaves enough for lunch leftovers the next day.

To store, transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that luscious sauce. Warm it gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce can separate.

What to Serve With Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Nothing sops up extra sauce like a thick slice of golden, buttery garlic bread.

Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a perfect cool counterpoint to the warm and spicy pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

A simple side of roasted asparagus with olive oil and lemon brightens the whole plate.

Sauteed Green Beans

Tossed in garlic and olive oil, these add a fresh snap that works beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a vibrant contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet, smoky, and lightly charred, grilled corn adds Southern flair to your meal.

Lemonade or Iced Tea

A refreshing drink balances out the heat and rounds out your dinner perfectly.

Spicy Pickles or Pickled Okra

For those who enjoy a little tang, pickles offer a crunchy contrast and extra Cajun character.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you can’t get enough of this Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta, you’ll fall for these other flavorful dishes that pack a similar punch of comfort and spice:

Try this spicy and smoky Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a sausage twist.
Dive into a veggie-packed favorite like Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a touch of freshness.
Craving shrimp instead? This Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is just as rich and flavorful.
Need a one-skillet wonder? The One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni has your weeknights covered.
Love creamy sauces? Don’t skip our Easy Cajun Cream Sauce to jazz up any pasta night.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

And let me know in the comments how your version turned out. Did you stick with chicken, or swap in shrimp or sausage? Did you go heavy on the spice, or dial it down for the kids?

I love seeing how you make these dishes your own. If you have any questions, I’m always happy to help.

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Conclusion

Creamy Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Cheese Sauce brings everything you want in a comfort food dish. It’s rich and cheesy, full of bold Cajun flavor, and simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this recipe offers warmth, flavor, and a little spice that leaves everyone satisfied.