Description
A creamy, cheesy Cajun chicken pasta bake loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and rich spices, topped with melted golden cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, breasts, or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 crowns broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb pasta (farfalle, penne, or your choice)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheese, divided (Colby Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or your blend of choice)
- 6 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish to a bubbly golden finish.
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta by cooking it according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken until it is browned and thoroughly cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook them for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in diced roma tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chicken stock, grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Stir everything well to combine evenly and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and evenly spread it out. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey or firm tofu for variation.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Vegetables can be varied; mushrooms or zucchini work well too.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta initially as it will cook further in the oven.
