Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken and spicy Cajun seasoning blend with creamy sauce and cheese in a baked pasta dish.

# What You'll 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

# Method:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil salted water and cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions, then 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 black pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, sauté diced red onion and bell peppers for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using; cook for an additional minute.
05 - Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream and milk, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add three-quarters of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
07 - Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired.
08 - Transfer mixture to a lightly greased baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheeses evenly on top.
09 - Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
10 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Packed with bold Cajun flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd
02 -
  • Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce if desired
  • Can be customized with extra veggies, like mushrooms or spinach
03 -
  • Undercook the pasta slightly so it does not get mushy during baking
  • Shred your own cheese for best melting and texture
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