Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with tender chicken, a spicy Cajun kick, and gooey cheese, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Step 2: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet, followed by the Cajun seasoning. Mix well to combine.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
7. Step 7: Combine the cooked penne pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Step 8: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Step 9: Top with additional cheese if desired, then cover with aluminum foil.
10. Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
• Swap rotisserie chicken for cooked shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist.
• Use a mix of bell pepper colors for a more vibrant dish and added sweetness.
• Fresh parsley garnish adds a nice pop of color and freshness before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help maintain creaminess when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake and cover it tightly with foil, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne works well for this recipe, but rigatoni, penne rigate, or rotini can be good substitutes as they hold the sauce nicely.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

A rich and flavorful creamy Cajun chicken pasta bake featuring tender shredded rotisserie chicken, a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and a spicy Cajun cream sauce baked to golden perfection. This comforting casserole combines cooked penne pasta with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and garlic, making it an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until they soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
5. Combine chicken and seasoning: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet followed by the Cajun seasoning. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken and vegetables with spices.
6. Create creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer the mixture. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and the sauce becomes creamy.
7. Mix pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy Cajun chicken sauce.
8. Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
9. Add cheese topping and cover: Optionally, sprinkle additional cheese on top for a cheesy crust, then cover the dish with aluminum foil.
10. Bake and finish: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

• You can use any cooked chicken if rotisserie is unavailable; shredded grilled or poached chicken also works well.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spice level to your preference.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a bit of cream cheese or a splash of milk with the heavy cream.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a fresh herbal note but is optional.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake, Cajun chicken bake, creamy pasta casserole, baked pasta dish, Cajun seasoning recipes, rotisserie chicken recipes