If you are craving a dish that perfectly marries creamy, spicy, and comforting flavors, look no further than the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. This recipe brings together tender, cajun-seasoned chicken with luscious Garlic Herb Boursin cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s a simple yet delightfully indulgent meal that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Once you try it, this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become a treasured favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its focused ingredient list, each element playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together effortlessly to create an impressive dish that’s both saucy and savory.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein base that takes on the cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds richness and helps crisp the chicken and roast the tomatoes perfectly.
- 4 tablespoons cajun seasoning (divided): The heart of the spice, balancing smoky, spicy, and earthy notes throughout the dish.
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese: This creamy, flavorful cheese melts perfectly for a luscious sauce with fresh herb brightness.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups): Roasting these brings out their natural sweetness and adds a juicy burst against the creamy cheese.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells): Holds the sauce well and adds a satisfying bite.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adjust this to your spice comfort level for an extra kick that livens up every bite.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for roasting. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four evenly sized pieces—this helps them cook evenly and faster. Coat each piece with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then rub them thoroughly with 3 tablespoons of your cajun seasoning. This ensures every bite bursts with that signature spice blend. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, ready for roasting.
Step 2: Assemble the Cheese and Tomatoes
In a 9 inch by 13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, add the Garlic Herb Boursin cheese in dollops, then scatter the cherry tomatoes on top. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season gently with salt and pepper. The olive oil helps the tomatoes roast perfectly while the cheese melts into a creamy base that will become the sauce.
Step 3: Roast Chicken, Cheese, and Tomatoes Together
Place both the chicken baking sheet and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes in the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to become juicy and cooked through while the cheese melts and the tomatoes soften and release their natural sweetness, creating a luscious, aromatic blend.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the oven works its magic, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne (or your choice of medium pasta shells) according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out 1 cup of pasta water before draining—the starchy water will be key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to every piece of pasta.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish
Once the chicken and cheese-tomato mixture are ready, carefully remove both from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and dice it into bite-sized pieces. In the casserole dish, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning to the Boursin and tomatoes. Stir well to combine into a rich, velvety sauce. Fold in the diced chicken, and your Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to serve immediately.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top adds a pop of vibrant green that brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note. For extra zest, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette balances the richness wonderfully. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are excellent to sop up every last bit of that delicious cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style at the table in the casserole dish for a cozy, approachable vibe, or plate it individually over a shallow bowl to showcase the luscious sauce and colorful cherry tomatoes. For a fun twist, try adding roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers on the side for extra color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken as it chills, so be sure to stir gently before reheating. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes best before adding the hot sauce and fresh garnish. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating and ensure the chicken stays tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin’s creamy texture and garlic-herb flavor are signature to this dish, you can substitute cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and herbs for a similar effect. The flavor won’t be exactly the same but will still be deliciously rich.
How spicy is this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted easily by varying the amount of cajun seasoning and hot sauce. For a milder version, use less seasoning or omit the hot sauce. It’s a flexible recipe designed to suit your preferred heat tolerance.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or medium pasta shells are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce and tomato juices. However, feel free to experiment with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle to change up the texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap traditional pasta for a gluten-free variety made from rice, corn, or legumes. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like the cajun seasoning, don’t contain gluten.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant. Roast them along with the tomatoes and Boursin cheese for a satisfying, meat-free alternative.
Final Thoughts
Once you make the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a beloved dish to share and savor. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and spice with a creamy, cheesy sauce that feels both indulgent and approachable. Don’t hesitate to bring this recipe into your kitchen—you’ll find yourself turning to it again and again for a scrumptious, crowd-pleasing meal that never disappoints.
Print
Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts baked alongside garlic herb Boursin cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes, tossed together with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a hint of hot sauce for an irresistible dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Cheese and Vegetables
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20–24 ounces or about 4 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 even pieces. Coat them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then evenly sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts onto a baking sheet.
- Prepare cheese and tomatoes: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, add the Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Roast chicken and vegetables: Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes into the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are tender.
- Cook pasta: While the chicken and vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Remove and rest chicken: When cooking is complete, carefully remove the casserole dish and baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the chicken from the baking sheet to a cutting board and let it rest briefly before dicing.
- Combine pasta with sauce: To the casserole dish containing the melted Boursin cheese and roasted tomatoes, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to create a creamy sauce.
- Add chicken and serve: Dice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir it into the pasta mixture. Serve immediately while hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to vary the spice level to your preference.
- Using fresh cherry tomatoes contributes both flavor and moisture for the creamy sauce.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can make a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Saving some pasta water is essential to help create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
