Save A vibrant comforting casserole featuring tender chicken spicy Cajun seasonings creamy sauce and melty cheese all baked with pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal.
The first time I made this Cajun chicken pasta bake it quickly became a go-to weekday recipe. My family loves the balance of spice creamy sauce and gooey cheese with every bite.
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 (optional): ¼ tsp, for extra heat
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package instructions as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Cook 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.
- Sauté 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.
- Prepare 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 and 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 and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning before serving.
Save We made this pasta bake for a Sunday dinner and everyone went back for seconds. It's become a favorite for potlucks and family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. This dish pairs nicely with Sauvignon Blanc or iced tea for a refreshing balance to the spice.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk (cheese cream butter) and wheat (pasta). Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option and always verify labels for potential allergens.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through or microwave individual portions as needed.
Save This crowd-pleasing casserole is sure to warm your table and bring smiles at dinner time. Enjoy every creamy spicy cheesy bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as their shape holds the sauce well, but other sturdy pasta can be substituted.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, reduce or omit chili flakes and Cajun seasoning to suit milder preferences.
- → Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream reduces richness while keeping creaminess.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Sauté chicken pieces until browned but avoid overcooking; the baking finishes cooking gently.
- → Can additional vegetables be added?
Sliced mushrooms or spinach can be incorporated for extra texture and flavor.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread; pairs well with crisp white wine or iced tea.