Save A vibrant comforting casserole featuring tender chicken spicy Cajun seasonings creamy sauce and melty cheese all baked with pasta for a crowdpleasing meal.
I first made this Cajun chicken pasta bake on a busy weeknight and instantly fell in love with its bold flavors and how easy it was to bring together. It quickly became a favorite request whenever we have friends or family over because it's satisfying and customizable.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large cut into bite-sized pieces
- Red bell pepper: 1 diced
- Yellow bell pepper: 1 diced
- Red onion: 1 small diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 200 ml (34 cup)
- Milk: 120 ml (12 cup)
- Mozzarella cheese: 100 g (1 cup) shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (12 cup) grated
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup) shredded
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp plus extra for garnish
- Smoked paprika: 12 tsp
- Salt: 12 tsp
- Black pepper: 14 tsp
- Chili flakes: 14 tsp optional for extra heat
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken, Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through about 68 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet cook onions and bell peppers for 45 minutes until softened. Add garlic smoked paprika and chili flakes if using. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in cream and milk. Stir and simmer for 23 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Mix in 34 of the mozzarella cheddar and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine:
- Return chicken and cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer & Bake:
- Transfer into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake 1820 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley and extra Cajun seasoning before serving.
Save This is our goto comfort dish that everyone in my family asks for on chilly evenings. The rich cheesy topping always brings smiles around the table.
Required Tools
Use a large skillet or sauté pan for browning the chicken and veggies a medium saucepan for boiling the pasta and a baking dish around 2 liters (2 quarts) in size for finishing in the oven. A chefs knife and cutting board make prep quick and easy.
Allergen Information
Milk is present in cheese cream and butter while wheat is found in most pasta. Check labels for glutenfree options and be mindful of possible crosscontamination in spice blends.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 670 calories 32 g total fat 56 g carbohydrates and 40 g protein making it a hearty balanced meal.
Save Enjoy this satisfying Cajun-inspired pasta bake fresh from the oven and share with family or friends. It is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta works best for this bake?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide a satisfying texture.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can reduce or omit chili flakes and adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for milder or spicier flavors.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Sauté chicken over medium-high heat just until cooked through to keep it juicy without drying out.
- → Is there a way to make it lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter, less rich sauce while maintaining creaminess.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with the bold flavors.