Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp. per side. Set the seasoned chicken aside to rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes while you chop the vegetables.
After the chicken rests, heat avocado oil in a large, nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook chicken in the oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until it has a crusty browned exterior and the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
In the same pan, cook sliced zucchini, chopped bell pepper, and minced jalapenos for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionaly, until softened. Scrape any browned bits from the pan into the veggies as they cook.
Add tomatoes, green onions, and tomato paste with a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Start boiling the farfalle (bowtie) pasta in salted water around this time, and cook the pasta until al dente, which is about one minute less than the package directions call for (usually 10-12 minutes for farfalle pasta). (The pasta should finish around the same time as the creamy sauce).
Stir garlic and crushed red pepper into the pan with the cooked vegetables, and cook for 1 minute. Turn the heat beneath the pan to medium-low, stir in half and half, and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow the half and half to gently simmer for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat it in the spicy cream sauce. Grate in parmesan cheese and stir to combine. Don't discard the pasta water! Add pasta water, a tablespoon or two at a time, and continue tossing everything together until the sauce is as creamy as you like it!
Divide the pasta between warm bowls, and serve immediately with more crushed red pepper, green onions, and parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
please use as much or as little crushed red pepper as you like! The flavor is still fantastic without the heat, so make it to your liking! I also always serve garlic bread with this dish, and a salad if possible. I love it!
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving
Keyword spicy chicken bowties, spicy chicken pasta