Pin A vibrant comforting casserole featuring tender chicken spicy Cajun seasonings creamy sauce and melty cheese all baked with pasta for a crowd-pleasing meal.
I first made this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake on a chilly evening when I craved something cozy and filling but wanted a bit of a spicy kick. This dish quickly became a family favorite for its rich flavors and bubbly cheesy topping.
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)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 50 g (½ cup)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 100 g (1 cup)
- Cajun seasoning: 1½ tbsp plus extra for garnish
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Chili flakes: ¼ tsp (optional for extra heat)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water 2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté 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.
- Cook 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.
- Make Creamy 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 & 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 & Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning before serving.
Pin My family loves when I serve this dish bubbling hot from the oven it brings everyone to the table for seconds and lots of smiles. It's become a beloved weeknight meal especially when we want something exciting yet homey.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad or warmed garlic bread for a complete meal. It also goes nicely with iced tea or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Make Ahead & Storage
Assemble the pasta bake up to a day ahead and refrigerate covered then bake when ready to serve. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
Try adding spinach or sliced mushrooms for extra veggies. For a lighter version use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or swap in whole-wheat pasta for more fiber.
Pin This Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings for something creamy cheesy and packed with flavor. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as their ridged surfaces hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, use less Cajun seasoning or omit chili flakes for a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat.
- → How can I make it lighter?
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness while maintaining creaminess.
- → What cheese blend is recommended?
A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan provides creaminess, sharpness, and a golden crust when baked.
- → Can vegetables be added?
Yes, mushrooms or spinach can be added during sautéing for extra texture and nutrients.