Pin this 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 my family wanted a meal with a little kick and tons of comfort. It quickly became a favorite for its hearty portions and satisfying blend of spices and cheese.
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: ¼ tsp (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
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Instructions
- Preheat:
- Set your oven to 200℃ (400℉).
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the 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 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Sauté 1 minute.
- Make the sauce:
- Lower heat to medium. Pour in cream and milk, stirring to scrape the skillet. Simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Add cheeses:
- Add ¾ of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine chicken & pasta:
- Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Spread mixture in a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake 18-20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning before serving.
Pin this This dish was a huge hit at our last family dinner, and everyone came back for seconds. It brings a little Louisiana-inspired spice and a lot of comfort to the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake with a simple green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or iced tea pairs perfectly with the spice and creaminess.
Allergen & Diet Notes
This recipe contains milk and wheat. Check labels for gluten in pasta and Cajun spice blends, and swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety if needed.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180℃ (350℉) until piping hot, or in the microwave for quick lunches.
Pin this Cheesy, spicy, and easy to make, this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake will turn any dinner into a festive feast. Enjoy every bite with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What pasta types work best for this bake?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as their tubular shapes hold the creamy sauce well during baking.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, increase or reduce Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to match your preferred heat intensity.
- → How to ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat until browned but not overdone, then bake briefly to finish cooking with pasta.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter texture, maintaining creaminess without too much richness.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Absolutely, ingredients like sliced mushrooms or spinach complement the dish and add extra nutrients.
