Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

$- 2 cups penne pasta - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning You will need penne pasta for a firm bite. Chicken breasts add protein and flavor. Cajun seasoning gives the dish its spicy kick. - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, chopped Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. Onions bring sweetness to balance the spice. These veggies help create a hearty texture. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Salt and pepper to taste Heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Parmesan and mozzarella add creaminess and depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook 2 cups of penne pasta according to the package. Drain and set it aside. - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 2 diced chicken breasts to the skillet. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. - Cook until the chicken is golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. - In the same skillet, add 1 chopped onion, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper. - Sauté until the vegetables are tender, for about 5 minutes. - Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. - Stir to mix everything well. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. - Add the cooked pasta and half of the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. - Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. - Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. - Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. To achieve the perfect al dente pasta, cook it for one or two minutes less than the package says. This way, the pasta stays firm and holds its shape in the bake. Stir the pasta while cooking to prevent sticking. Choosing the right Cajun seasoning is key. Look for a blend that has a good mix of spices. You want a balance of heat and flavor. If you want a spicier dish, choose a seasoning with more cayenne pepper. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color. Chop the parsley finely and sprinkle it over the top. This adds freshness and makes the dish look great. For serving suggestions, pair this dish with a simple green salad. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook it just until it’s golden and no longer pink. This helps keep it juicy and tender in the bake. Another mistake is skipping the resting time after baking. Let the dish sit for about five minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Try using shrimp or sausage instead of chicken. Both options will add great flavor. If you want a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty options that work well. To make your pasta bake more exciting, add extra spices. Consider using paprika or cayenne for more heat. You can also mix in vegetables like spinach or zucchini. These add color and nutrition while keeping the dish light. If you want to make this dish lighter, use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream. This swap keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas. You’ll still get a great taste and a filling dish. To store your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a good option. For reheating in the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. If using the microwave, scoop a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute, then stir. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot. To freeze the pasta bake, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven or microwave as noted above. Enjoy your meal later! Yes, you can make this dish early. Start by cooking the pasta and chicken as usual. Once you mix them with the sauce and veggies, let it cool. Then, store it in the fridge for up to two days. Before baking, add cheese on top. Bake it fresh for a cozy family meal! If you want a lighter dish, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or almond milk. These options still keep the creaminess while changing the flavor a bit. Adjust the spices to match your choice. To kick up the heat, add more Cajun seasoning. You can also toss in red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños. If you love heat, add fresh chopped chili peppers too. Taste as you go, and find the right balance for your family. Yes, you can switch up the pasta! While penne works great, feel free to use rotini, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente. Each shape holds the sauce differently, so pick what you like best! This blog post shared how to make a delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake. You learned about the main ingredients like penne pasta, chicken, and Cajun seasoning. I provided step-by-step instructions and cooking tips to help you succeed. You can also explore variations to suit your taste. Store extras safely and reheat them easily. Enjoy cooking, and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!$

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Indulge in a delicious Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake that will elevate your dinner game! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy cheeses baked to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and 50 minutes, you’ll have a comforting dish your family will love. Ready to delight your taste buds? Click through to discover the full recipe and turn your kitchen into a culinary haven!

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Ingredients

2 cups penne pasta

2 chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine everything. Allow to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Stir in the cooked pasta, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4