Description
Imagine tender Cajun-spiced chicken in a velvety Parmesan sauce, wrapped around bowtie pasta and dotted with sweet cherry tomatoes. This quick, flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and nearly cooked through.
Stir in minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Transfer chicken to a bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir continuously for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat. Mix in grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add halved cherry tomatoes and cooked pasta. Gently toss until well combined and heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for a richer, juicier flavor.
For more vegetables, add spinach or steamed broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: chicken
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 160mg