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Ultra close up macro shot of one-pot creamy cajun chicken and bowtie pasta simmering in velvety sauce

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken and Bowtie Pasta

Tender golden-seared chicken breast bites and al dente bowtie farfalle simmered in a velvety, smoky-sweet Cajun parmesan cream sauce with bell peppers in one pot in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 540

Ingredients
  

For the Cajun Seared Chicken
  • 1.25 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning blend
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
For the One-Pot Pasta & Cajun Cream Sauce
  • 8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 medium red bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper (finely diced)
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced)
  • 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken bone broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Season & Sear the Chicken
  1. Pat the diced chicken breast dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt until evenly coated.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large 12-inch deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until golden browned. Flip and sear for 2 additional minutes until just cooked through. Transfer seared chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Simmer Pasta
  1. In the same skillet over medium heat, add the diced red and yellow bell peppers along with minced garlic and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 2 minutes until sweet and fragrant, scraping up flavorful browned fond from the bottom.
  2. Pour in the chicken bone broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, pressing noodles gently under the liquid.
  3. Cover with a tight lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer gently for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is al dente and sauce is luscious and thick.
Finish, Melt Cheese & Serve
  1. Remove the lid and turn heat to low. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper until completely melted into a glossy, velvety sauce hugging every bowtie contour.
  2. Return the seared Cajun chicken along with any accumulated flavorful resting juices back into the skillet. Toss gently for 1 minute until warmed through.
  3. Remove from heat, garnish generously with fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley, and serve warm directly from the skillet.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5gCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 38gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1450IUVitamin C: 68mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 2.8mg

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