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.
I first made this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake for a potluck, and it became an instant favorite thanks to its creamy sauce and perfectly spiced chicken. The combination of colorful veggies and cheesy topping always makes it a hit at family gatherings.
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
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni
- 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: 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:
- Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package instructions. 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 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add onions and bell peppers to skillet. Cook for 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes if using. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Make sauce:
- Reduce heat. Pour in cream and milk, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add cheeses:
- Add ¾ of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return chicken to skillet. Add pasta. Toss to coat well and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top. Bake for 18 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve:
- Top with parsley and extra Cajun seasoning before serving.
Save The kids love scooping out cheesy servings, and it's the only casserole everyone finishes without complaint! Sharing leftovers is rare in our house when this bake hits the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of iced tea or Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with the spicy, creamy flavors.
Variation Ideas
Swap the chicken for sausage or add mushrooms and spinach for more veggies. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or reduced fat cheeses in the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave until piping hot.
Save This Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is perfect for sharing and always leaves a lasting impression. Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite straight from the oven!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until browned but not overcooked, about 6-8 minutes, to keep it juicy and tender.
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to substitute with similar shapes.
- → What can I use to add more vegetables?
Add sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach alongside the peppers and onions for extra color and nutrition.
- → How spicy is the dish and can it be adjusted?
The heat level can be moderated by adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning and chili flakes to suit your preference.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Cover the dish with foil and warm it gently in the oven until heated through to maintain creaminess and texture.