Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, creamy cheesy goodness, and a little bit of spice, then you’re going to adore this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how the smoky Cajun seasoning dances with tender chicken and cozy pasta, all wrapped up in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to comfort meal that your whole family goes crazy for.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in combining tender chicken thighs with al dente penne and a luscious, cheesy Alfredo sauce. I like using chicken thighs here because they stay juicy and soak up that Cajun seasoning beautifully, while the shredded sharp cheddar adds a nice kick to the final bake.

• Penne pasta: Holds sauce well due to its ridged texture—perfect for a creamy bake.
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts; they absorb spices wonderfully.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a light, fruity flavor when sautéing the chicken.
• Cajun seasoning: The star of the dish; adjust amount to your preferred spice level.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a tangy richness that melts beautifully over the bake.
• Parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish that lightens the rich flavors.
• Butter: Base for the Alfredo sauce; helps create that silky texture.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce into a creamy velvety consistency.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds depth and a savory bite to the sauce.
• Milk: The liquid foundation for the Alfredo; I use whole milk for creaminess.

Variations

I love how easy it is to personalize this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. Feel free to customize it based on what’s in your fridge or how spicy you like things—you’ll find plenty of ways to make it your own!

• Use chicken breasts instead: I started with thighs because they’re juicier, but breasts work too—just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers or spinach folded in add great color and nutrition; my family enjoys that pop of freshness.
• Swap pasta shapes: Rigatoni or fusilli also hold the sauce well if you want to mix it up.
• Mild or spicy seasoning: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preference or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta just right

Start by cooking 8 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—that means tender but still firm to the bite. This texture really helps the pasta hold up during baking without getting mushy. While the pasta cooks, go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready for the final stage.

Step 2: Sauté the Cajun-seasoned chicken

Sprinkle 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of 1 pound of bite-sized chicken thighs—this is where all that bold flavor kicks in. Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add your chicken pieces. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight golden crust. This caramelization adds amazing depth to the dish.

Step 3: Whip up a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and keep stirring constantly for about a minute—this creates a roux that thickens the sauce. You want to be careful not to let it burn, so keep things moving. Slowly add 2 cups of milk, whisking continually to prevent lumps and make sure the mixture simmers gently without boiling over. Once it thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes), remove it from the heat and mix in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and assemble your pasta bake

Add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce to the skillet with your Cajun chicken and toss everything together so each bite gets coated in that luxurious sauce. Then transfer this mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top—this cheesy layer is the crowning glory. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and starts bubbling. For a golden, slightly crisp topping, switch on the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close watch so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Serve with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Right after you pull it from the oven, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness perfectly. Plate it up and watch how quickly it disappears—this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe always gets rave reviews in my house.

How to Serve Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy cheese and spicy chicken beautifully. Sometimes I like to add a tiny drizzle of hot sauce on top if we want an extra zing.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. A light, citrusy vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the bake. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or special occasions, I sometimes bake this in individual ramekins for a fancy touch. It’s also fun to top with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving—adds a little flair and extra smoky depth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the bake cools, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta bake before, and it works great. Just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta can soften a bit after freezing, but the flavors remain amazing.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 15-20 minutes. If you want the top crispy again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes or pop it under the broiler briefly while watching closely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes I keep coming back to—not only for its comforting, creamy flavors but also because it’s easy to whip up on a busy night. I love sharing it with friends and family, knowing they’ll enjoy something that feels both special and satisfying. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite pasta bake in your recipe arsenal!

Print