Save to Pinterest 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 for a weekend gathering, and everyone loved how the spice balanced with the creamy sauce. The bubbling cheese and bright vegetables make it both delicious and visually appealing.
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 (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: ¼ tsp (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using), and sauté for 1 minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in cream and milk, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Add ¾ of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat well. Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun spice, salt, or pepper if needed.
- Transfer & Top:
- Transfer mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning before serving.
Save to Pinterest This bake has become a weeknight favorite, especially when we gather around the table for a cozy meal after a busy day. Everyone loves scooping out cheesy pasta and sharing stories over dinner.
Required Tools
Large skillet or sauté pan, medium saucepan for pasta, baking dish (approx. 2 liters (2 quarts)), wooden spoon, chef's knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese, cream, butter) and wheat (pasta). May contain gluten (check pasta) and possible cross-contamination in spice blends. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 670, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 40 g.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this Cajun chicken pasta bake straight from the oven for best flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next-day lunch.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces cook evenly and absorb the Cajun spices well.
- → Can I use different pasta for the bake?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but other short pasta shapes can also work.
- → How do I adjust the heat level?
Modify the amount of Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be substituted to reduce richness while maintaining creamy texture.
- → What sides complement this dish?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a refreshing iced tea pairs nicely with the flavorful bake.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions since it finishes baking in the oven.