Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake (Printable)

Tender chicken and spicy Cajun flavors mixed with creamy cheese and baked pasta for a comforting meal.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Boil pasta in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package directions. 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. Cook 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, and sauté for 1 minute.
05 - Lower heat to medium. Stir in heavy cream and milk, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Add three-quarters of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat with sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
08 - Pour the mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly over the top.
09 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese topping is golden and bubbling.
10 - Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness
  • Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
02 -
  • Pasta will finish cooking in the oven, so undercook slightly during boiling.
  • For extra veggies, mushrooms and spinach work well.
03 -
  • Prep all ingredients ahead for easy assembly.
  • Let casserole rest 5 min before serving so sauce thickens.
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