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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithruby.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/