If there’s one dish I could eat over and over again without ever getting tired, it’s this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce. The richness of the creamy Alfredo, the bold flavor of Cajun-spiced chicken, and that satisfying chew of bowtie pasta come together in perfect harmony. It’s not just comfort food—it’s a flavor-packed experience that feels both indulgent and soul-warming.

I first whipped this up on a rainy evening when I was craving something bold, creamy, and spicy. It was one of those magical kitchen moments where you combine a few favorite elements—and suddenly, you’ve got a weeknight dinner that tastes like something from a high-end restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just want to treat yourself, this dish is sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

This pasta dish delivers serious satisfaction. The Cajun seasoning brings just enough kick to wake up your taste buds, while the Alfredo sauce is velvety, rich, and kissed with garlic and cheese. Plus, bowtie pasta (or farfalle) gives this meal an extra touch of fun and texture. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to company. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use for Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe—they cook evenly, slice beautifully, and soak up the Cajun seasoning like a charm. If you prefer a juicier, more tender bite, boneless thighs are a fantastic alternative and bring a slightly deeper flavor. Whichever cut you use, the key is to get that flavorful, golden sear so the chicken carries bold, smoky notes into every bite of pasta.

Options for Substitutions

Want to tailor this dish to your pantry or preferences? You’ve got plenty of flexibility:

Pasta Shape: Bowtie pasta is fun and holds sauce well, but penne, rotini, or fettuccine are all excellent swaps.
Chicken Alternatives: Swap with shrimp for a Cajun seafood twist, or use tofu or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream for the Alfredo sauce, and your favorite dairy-free cheese.
Cajun Seasoning: If you’re out of Cajun seasoning, a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and thyme will do the trick.
Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but feel free to add sharp cheddar or mozzarella for a gooier, cheesier sauce.

The goal is to let the Cajun and garlic flavor shine—everything else can bend to your taste.

Ingredients for Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Each ingredient in this dish plays a specific role in building flavor, texture, and that crave-worthy creaminess:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
These are the protein powerhouse of the dish, absorbing the Cajun seasoning and providing a hearty bite.
Cajun Seasoning
This spice blend is the flavor bomb that gives the chicken its smoky, bold kick. It’s the heart of the dish’s Southern flair.
Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta
These little “butterflies” are not just cute—they’re perfect for catching the creamy Alfredo sauce in their folds.
Butter
Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and adds richness to the sauce.
Garlic (Minced)
Garlic gives the Alfredo sauce its aromatic base and deepens the savory profile of the dish.
Heavy Cream
The foundation of a silky Alfredo—thick, rich, and made for clinging to pasta.
Parmesan Cheese (Freshly Grated)
Adds sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce with its natural umami.
Mozzarella Cheese (Optional)
For a cheesier pull and added creaminess, especially if you’re craving something ultra-comforting.
Olive Oil
Used to coat the chicken and help crisp up the seasoning during cooking.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential to balance and enhance all the other flavors.
Chopped Parsley (for Garnish)
Just a sprinkle for freshness and color that makes the final plate pop.

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick and gives a better sear. Rub each piece with olive oil, then generously coat both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set them aside while you prep the pasta and sauce.

Step 2: Boil the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a mix of butter and olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a dark, flavorful crust. Once fully cooked, transfer to a plate and let them rest before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all that flavor), reduce heat to medium. Add more butter, then toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Once the cream starts to bubble, mix in the Parmesan (and mozzarella, if using) until fully melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the Alfredo sauce, tossing to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your liking.

Step 6: Slice Chicken and Assemble

Slice your rested Cajun chicken into strips. Plate the creamy bowtie pasta and top generously with the sliced chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a touch more Parmesan if you’d like.

How Long to Cook Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

This recipe comes together surprisingly quickly—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner:

Chicken: 10–12 minutes total (5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness)
Pasta: 10–11 minutes (al dente, according to package)
Sauce: 5–7 minutes (once cream is added)
Total Time: Around 30 minutes start to finish

The timing may vary slightly depending on your stove and pan size, but you can absolutely have this ready in half an hour.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce

Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty instead of smooth. Fresh Parmesan melts like a dream.
Let the chicken rest – Resting the cooked chicken for 5 minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
Don’t overcook the garlic – Burnt garlic will turn your sauce bitter. Cook it just until fragrant, then add the cream.
Add pasta water if needed – A splash of that starchy water can loosen a thick sauce and help it cling beautifully to the bowtie pasta.
Taste and adjust – Cajun seasoning varies in spice and salt levels. Always taste the sauce and chicken before serving to make sure it’s balanced.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a dish as indulgent and forgiving as Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce can go sideways with a few small missteps. Keep these in mind to stay on track:

Overcooking the chicken
It’s easy to dry out chicken breasts if you cook them too long. Use a meat thermometer and pull them off the heat at 165°F.
Skipping the resting time
Cutting into the chicken too soon releases the juices. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Burning the garlic
Garlic cooks fast—30 seconds is usually plenty. Burned garlic turns the whole sauce bitter.
Using cold cream
Cold heavy cream can curdle if shocked by heat. Let it come to room temperature before pouring into the hot pan.
Boiling the Alfredo sauce
Keep it on a gentle simmer. High heat can separate the cheese and cream, making the sauce oily instead of smooth.

What to Serve With Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside—perfect for scooping up every last bit of Alfredo sauce.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy salad cuts through the richness of the dish and adds a refreshing crunch.

Roasted Broccoli

A slightly charred veggie side pairs beautifully with creamy pasta and adds some balance to the plate.

Sautéed Green Beans

Quick, simple, and vibrant. They’re a great low-effort veggie to serve on the side.

Grilled Asparagus

Lightly seasoned and charred, asparagus adds a touch of elegance and earthy flavor.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella offer a bright contrast to the Cajun spices and creamy sauce.

Lemon-Herb Zucchini

Tossed with olive oil and lemon zest, this quick sautéed side dish brings citrusy freshness to the meal.

Chili-Lime Corn on the Cob

If you want to lean into Southern flavors, this spicy, tangy corn is a bold and fun pairing.

Storage Instructions

This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce stores like a dream and reheats beautifully with a few tricks:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the chicken and pasta together for the best flavor blend.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but go in short bursts and stir often to prevent the sauce from separating.
Freezing: Not ideal. Alfredo sauce made with cream can split after thawing. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the sauce, then make a fresh batch when ready to eat.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in one generous serving (based on 4 total servings):

Calories: ~720
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 890mg
Cholesterol: 165mg

Note: These numbers can vary depending on your choice of ingredients (cheese type, cream brand, exact chicken size, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just slice it and warm it in the sauce for a few minutes with a bit of Cajun seasoning.

Is this dish very spicy?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends are mild, while others bring serious heat. You can control the spice level by adding less or mixing in a bit of paprika to mellow it out.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bowtie (or any other shape) pasta and double-check your Cajun seasoning to ensure it’s gluten-free. Everything else is naturally free of gluten.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the sauce. It won’t be as rich but will still taste great.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and chicken a day ahead and store them separately. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

What cheese works best besides Parmesan?

Mozzarella adds creaminess, while a touch of sharp white cheddar can give it a bolder flavor. Asiago or Romano are great, too, for an extra salty punch.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers all pair wonderfully with the creamy, spicy base.

How do I thin out thick Alfredo sauce?

A splash of pasta water, milk, or chicken broth will do the trick. Add a little at a time and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta in Alfredo Sauce is one of those meals that feels like a treat but comes together with total weeknight ease. It’s spicy, creamy, garlicky, and downright comforting—exactly what you want in a soul-satisfying dinner. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will earn its place in your regular rotation.