Save A vibrant, comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasonings, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, all baked with pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal.
I first made this Cajun chicken pasta bake when I was craving something spicy and comforting on a cool evening. The combination of gooey cheese, tender chicken, and pasta always takes me back to family nights around the dinner table.
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
- Penne or rigatoni pasta: 300 g (10 oz)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Heavy cream: 200 ml (¾ cup)
- Milk: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Mozzarella cheese: 100 g (1 cup), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (½ cup), grated
- Cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup), shredded
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp (plus extra for garnish)
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Chili flakes (optional): ¼ tsp, for extra heat
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Add chicken, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- Add onions and bell peppers to skillet. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using), and sauté 1 minute.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in cream and milk, stirring up browned bits. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Cheeses:
- Add ¾ of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan to sauce. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine Chicken & Pasta:
- Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Bake 18 to 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning before serving.
Save My family loves gathering in the kitchen as the casserole comes out of the oven, the smell of spices and bubbling cheese drawing everyone together for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread. For drinks, try a refreshing iced tea or chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 days and reheat best in the oven.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 670 calories, 32 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 40 g protein.
Save Dive into this easy, flavor-packed Cajun chicken pasta bake for dinner tonight. It's guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta slightly less than package instructions and finish baking with the sauce to maintain a firm texture.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
Yes, reduce or omit the chili flakes and adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- → What cheeses work best in this bake?
Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan create a creamy, flavorful blend that melts well under heat.
- → Is there a lighter dairy option to use?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce without sacrificing richness.
- → Can I add vegetables to increase nutrition?
Sliced mushrooms or spinach are excellent additions that complement the existing peppers and onions.
- → What best accompanies this dish when served?
A crisp salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully, balancing the rich and spicy flavors.