Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake (Printable)

Comforting baked pasta with tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a creamy cheese sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta

06 - 10 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Sauces & Dairy

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon butter
09 - ¾ cup heavy cream
10 - ½ cup milk
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

→ Spices & Seasonings

14 - 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning (plus extra for garnish)
15 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
18 - ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using; sauté for 1 minute.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and milk, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add three-quarters of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Return chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
08 - Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
09 - Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
10 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Combines bold Cajun flavors with creamy, cheesy sauce for maximum comfort.
  • Easy to customize with added veggies or heat, and perfect for feeding a family.
02 -
  • Use caution with Cajun spice blends, as some may contain gluten or added salt.
  • Pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so it's best to undercook slightly during boiling.
03 -
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
  • Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor variation.
Return