Description
A delicious and comforting Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with Cajun spices, coated in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce, mixed with penne pasta, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
- 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
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Parsley for serving, if desired
For the 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al-dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté chicken: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning evenly on both sides of the chicken pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to form a roux—be careful not to let it burn. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan and cheddar cheese until smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble the pasta bake: Add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce to the skillet with the chicken and toss to combine thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted. For a golden-brown finish, you can broil for 1 to 2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Original recipe sourced from chefsavvy.com. Please do not publish the recipe or pictures without linking back to the original post.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a perfect al-dente texture for baking.
- Broiling cheese requires close attention to avoid burning.
- Use full-fat milk and cheeses for the creamiest sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
