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Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 86 reviews

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce tossed with penne pasta. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection, it makes a perfect hearty meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Other Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta bake.
  2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté until vegetables are tender, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to soften.
  6. Add Cream: Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to simmer gently until it slightly thickens.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to taste.
  8. Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
  • You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter dish, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before baking to avoid mushiness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta bake, one-dish pasta dinner, baked chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning recipes

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