Description
Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with Cajun spices, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. This baked pasta casserole is topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese and garnished with fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
- 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
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Parsley for serving, if desired
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Saute Chicken: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn. Slowly add in the milk while stirring continuously to prevent bubbling over. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble the Bake: Add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce to the skillet with the cooked chicken, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly. Transfer this mixture to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted. For a golden brown top, you can turn on the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes — watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a warm and hearty meal.
Notes
- Original recipe from chefsavvy.com. Please do not publish my recipe or pictures without linking back to the original post. Thank you!
- Ensure to watch the sauce closely while whisking to prevent lumps and burning.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- The broiling step is optional but adds a nice golden crust on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about half the dish)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: fifty-five g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
