Description
One Skillet Creamy Cajun Buffalo Chicken & Bowtie Pasta combines bold, spicy flavors with creamy richness in one easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
12 oz bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the buffalo sauce, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a smooth sauce.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add extra buffalo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
- Chicken Alternatives: Swap chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg