This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a delightful celebration of bold, creamy, and comforting flavors all in one pan. Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly seasoned with Cajun spices, roasted alongside luscious garlic herb Boursin cheese and burst cherry tomatoes, then tossed with al dente pasta for a creamy, spicy dish that’s irresistibly cozy. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms a weeknight dinner into a special occasion, delivering a harmonious blend of smoky heat, rich creaminess, and fresh tomato pops that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to enhance texture, flavor, and color. From the creamy tang of Boursin cheese to the vibrant burst of cherry tomatoes, these components come together to create a harmonious Cajun-inspired meal that’s as vivid on the plate as it is on the palate.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein base that soaks up the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Adds moisture and helps roast the chicken and tomatoes to perfection.
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided): Brings the bold, smoky spice that defines the dish’s lively flavor profile.
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages): Creamy and richly herbed cheese that creates a luscious sauce when melted.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20-24 ounces or 4 cups): Juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the spicy Cajun heat.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle bite that complements the Cajun seasoning.
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells): Sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce and chunks of chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference): Gives an extra kick and depth to the creamy sauce.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, setting the stage for perfectly baked chicken. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, giving you four evenly sized pieces. Coat them generously in 1 tablespoon olive oil, then rub on 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. This step seals in spice and flavor, ensuring every bite is packed with personality.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese and Tomatoes
Next, take a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish and add both packages of the creamy Garlic Herb Boursin cheese along with the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This combination will simmer and melt in the oven, creating the dish’s signature rich and tangy sauce.
Step 3: Roast Chicken, Cheese, and Tomatoes
Place the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet and pop both the chicken and the casserole dish into the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are bursting and tender. The heat gently melts the Boursin, blending it with the juices from the tomatoes for a velvety sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the oven is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or pasta shells according to package instructions until just al dente—perfectly firm but tender. Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid will help bind the sauce and pasta together later.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish
Once the baking is complete, remove the chicken and transfer it to a cutting board to rest momentarily. Take the casserole dish with the melted Boursin and tomatoes out as well. Stir in the pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the saucy mixture. Dice the roasted chicken and fold it lovingly into the pasta, ensuring every bite will be flavorful and creamy.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness that beautifully contrasts the creamy, spicy pasta. For a little extra indulgence, a dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can elevate each serving to restaurant quality.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic butter roasted vegetables, providing a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken pasta. If you love bread, a warm crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up that savory Boursin sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe family-style in the baking dish to showcase the vibrant colors of roasted tomatoes and browned Cajun chicken. Alternatively, plate it individually in deep bowls with a drizzle of extra hot sauce on top for those who crave an added spicy kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, with the flavors deepening and melding even more over time.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly change the texture of the pasta, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh when possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. Take care to reheat until just warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin gives this recipe its signature creamy herb flavor, you could substitute with another garlic herb cream cheese or a softer goat cheese. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be a bit different but still delicious.
What if I don’t like spicy food—can I reduce the Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! You can lessen the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to suit your heat preference. Alternatively, swap Cajun seasoning for a milder herb blend to keep it flavorful but gentle.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Just portion it out after cooking and store it in the fridge. It reheats well and remains satisfying for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Definitely! Penne and medium pasta shells work well because they hold the sauce, but you can experiment with fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle based on what you have on hand or prefer.
How spicy is this dish typically?
This recipe strikes a balanced medium heat thanks to the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, which you can adjust. It’s flavorful with a nice kick but won’t overwhelm those who enjoy moderate spice.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe a try will absolutely brighten up your dinner rotation. It combines bold Cajun heat with rich, creamy Boursin cheese and fresh roasted tomatoes for a dish that feels both comforting and special. I promise, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals to impress family and friends or simply indulge your own cravings.
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 flavorful and creamy one-dish meal that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with roasted cherry tomatoes and rich Garlic Herb Boursin cheese. The dish is oven-roasted to perfection and mixed with perfectly cooked penne pasta, delivering a comforting yet zesty dinner ready in just 40 minutes. Ideal for a cozy weeknight meal that offers a delicious balance of spice, creaminess, and fresh tomato brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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 Sauces
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for roasting the chicken and tomatoes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 even pieces. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then evenly sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over them. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet for roasting.
- Prepare the Cheese and Tomatoes: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine 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 enhance their flavors.
- Roast Chicken, Cheese, and Tomatoes: Put both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes into the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes start to blister and soften.
- Cook the Pasta: While the oven is working, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta completely.
- Prepare for Mixing: Remove the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes from the oven. Take the chicken out of the oven and transfer it to a cutting board for slicing.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the casserole dish containing the melted Boursin cheese and tomatoes. Stir well to blend the creamy sauce evenly.
- Slice Chicken and Serve: Dice the roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the pasta mixture. Serve the dish immediately while warm for a delightful creamy and spicy meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the hot sauce amount to control the spice level to your preference.
- If you prefer less spicy food, reduce the Cajun seasoning or use a mild version.
- Use penne or medium pasta shells for best sauce clinging and texture.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and enhance the creaminess of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
