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Cajun Garlic Pasta

Cajun Garlic Pasta

Discover the ultimate comfort food with a twist Cajun Garlic Pasta creamy Alfredo sauce and golden chicken in one delicious 30-minute meal
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 830

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 2.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 6 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup Velveeta cheese cubes
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Tongs or wooden spoon
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook al dente, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Slowly pour in the heavy cream. Add cream cheese and Velveeta, stirring until melted and combined into a smooth sauce.
  6. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan while simmering over medium-low heat until melted and creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Fold in the chicken and heat through.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 830kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 45gFat: 50gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 230mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Cooking should be enjoyable, so feel free to substitute ingredients as needed (e.g., different types of pasta or cheese). Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth. Remember to reserve pasta water; it’s essential for perfecting the sauce consistency! Enjoy your Cajun Garlic Pasta!
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