Servings: 4
Cook Time: 35 minutes
This rich and comforting pasta combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with a silky garlic butter Parmesan sauce. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz (350 g) farfalle pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream (375 ml)
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth (180 ml)
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry for better browning. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed until golden. Flip and cook until fully done. Remove and keep warm.
4️⃣ Sauté the Garlic
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5️⃣ Build the Sauce Base
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6️⃣ Melt the Cheeses
Add cream cheese and Velveeta; stir until smooth.
Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy, thick, and glossy.
7️⃣ Season the Sauce
Stir in Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8️⃣ Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta and toss gently until fully coated in the creamy sauce. Let simmer on low heat for 1 minute.
9️⃣ Return the Chicken
Place the chicken back into the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Warm through briefly.
🔟 Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for Best Results
✔ If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, mix paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + oregano + thyme + pinch chili flakes.
✔ Let the chicken sear without moving it first for better flavor.
✔ Use room-temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps.
✔ Scraping the pan after searing adds incredible depth to the sauce.
