Description
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender, flavorful chicken thighs coated in Cajun seasoning with creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, penne pasta, and melted cheese baked to perfection. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal with a spicy kick that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Garnish
- 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: Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Sauté Chicken: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over both sides of the chicken pieces evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue stirring for about 1 minute to form a roux without burning it. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps and bubbling over. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble the Bake: Add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce directly to the skillet with the cooked chicken, tossing everything to coat the pasta evenly with sauce and chicken. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top evenly.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese on top melts thoroughly. For a golden brown crust, optionally turn on the oven broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, creamy, and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will cook further in the oven.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
- Broil briefly for a crispier cheese topping, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs offer more juiciness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, although texture is best fresh.
