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Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 10 reviews

A creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender, seasoned chicken with cheesy Alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta, baked to golden bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner for two.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tsp Cajun seasoning

Cheese and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for sauce)
  • 2 cups milk

Garnish

  • Parsley for serving, if desired

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al-dente. While the pasta cooks, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. Sauté chicken: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.
  3. Make Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring it does not burn. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps and avoid milk boiling over. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Assemble dish: Add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce to the skillet containing the cooked chicken and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts completely. For a golden and bubbly top, optionally switch the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired, for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, adjusting cook time accordingly.
  • Make sure to stir the sauce continuously to avoid lumps or burning.
  • Keep a close eye during broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • Use whole milk for a creamy sauce; low-fat milk may result in a thinner sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in an oven or microwave.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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