Indulgent Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake: Easy Weeknight Delight

The Memory Behind This Treat

The first time I whipped up this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake, it was one of those hectic Tuesday evenings. You know, the kind where you barely have time to breathe, let alone cook. I’d just come back from a weekend in New Orleans, filled with the city’s vibrant flavors still dancing on my taste buds. Inspired by the spicy richness I experienced there, I craved something that would bring a touch of that Cajun flair to my kitchen.

With a fridge stocked with essentials and a pantry housing the magic of Cajun seasoning, I decided to create a dish that was equal parts comforting and bold. The sizzle of chicken hitting the hot pan mingled with the fragrant spices instantly transformed my kitchen into a cozy escape. Tossing in the colorful bell peppers and creamy sauce, I could almost hear the jazz playing in the background.

As the pasta bake emerged from the oven, bubbling and golden, it brought a warmth that extended beyond the dish itself. It was a meal that not only satisfied the hunger of my family but also sparked conversations about our travels and favorite dishes. This recipe quickly became a weeknight staple, celebrated for its ability to transport us back to the lively streets of New Orleans with every bite. Now, I can’t help but smile each time I make it, knowing it’s become a cherished part of our dinner routine.

How To Make It (Mix & Ingredients)

Creating this Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is a breeze, and in just a few steps, you’ll have a cozy dish on your table. Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is bubbling away, let’s work on that Cajun-spiced chicken. Grab a large Ziploc bag and toss in 3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and give it a good shake. It’s like a fun dance for the chicken, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.

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Step-by-step preparation of the Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake.

In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s sizzling, add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and just cooked through—remember, no pink in the center! You might need to do this in batches. Once cooked, set the chicken aside. In the same pan, melt that last tablespoon of butter and toss in the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Stir them around for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften and release their sweet aromas.

Now comes the magic. Pour in the heavy cream, and sprinkle in the smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Let it come to a gentle boil before reducing it to a simmer. The sauce will thicken into a creamy dream. Return the chicken to the pan, toss in the parmesan cheese, and stir until everything is well-coated. For an extra touch of comfort, serve it straight out of the pan, or transfer to a baking dish for a quick broil to add a bubbly, golden top. Enjoy the journey from pan to plate!

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Make-Ahead & Storage

One of the joys of making Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is its adaptability to your schedule. If you’re planning ahead, you can easily prepare this dish in stages. Cook the pasta and chicken and prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready for a quick dinner, combine everything and bake until heated through.

If you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! This dish stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer your pasta bake into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. When it’s time to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to keep it luscious and creamy. Gently warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until hot.

For those considering freezing, this dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To optimize the texture, freeze the pasta and sauce separately if possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Remember, the sauce may thicken, so add a bit of cream to revive its creamy consistency. With a little planning, your Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake can transform from a weeknight dinner into a lifesaver when time is short.

Best Ingredients & Party Variations

When crafting the perfect Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake, starting with quality ingredients is key. Opt for fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts as they offer a tender bite and soak up the delightful Cajun spices beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken for succulent shrimp—just make sure to adjust the cooking time since shrimp cooks quickly. For the pasta, penne is a winner due to its ability to trap the creamy sauce, but don’t shy away from using rotini or farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.

The vibrant colors and flavors of bell peppers are non-negotiable here. Choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for a festive look and sweet, crunchy contrast. Adding fresh parmesan cheese not only enhances the creaminess but also gives a lovely savory depth. Remember, a sprinkle of smoked paprika and dried basil elevates the dish from good to unforgettable, tying all the flavors together with a hint of warmth and herbal notes.

Hosting a gathering? This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Transform it into a vegetarian feast by including mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. For a touch of luxury, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for a subtle richness. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to complete the meal. Your guests will thank you—and maybe even ask for the recipe!

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Serving the finished Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake with elegance.

FAQs About Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Conclusion

As the comforting aroma of our Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake wafts through your kitchen, you’ll find yourself wrapped in the warmth of a dish that’s more than just a meal. It’s a gathering of flavors and textures that invite smiles and shared stories around the table. Whether it’s a busy weekday evening or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe has a charming way of drawing people together, creating moments that linger long after the plates are cleared.

I encourage you to embrace the joy of making this delightful dish. Let each creamy, zesty bite remind you of the special moments you can create with just a handful of ingredients and a sprinkle of love. Remember, it’s the simple pleasures that often bring the biggest smiles.

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Indulgent Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake: Easy Weeknight Delight

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• Author: Abby Martin

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Description

Need a flavorful weeknight dinner? My creamy cajun chicken pasta is simple, packed with flavor, and ready in less than 30 minutes! Feel free to swap the chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz (227 g) penne pasta* cooked according to package instructions and drained
• 4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning divided
• ½ teaspoon salt divided
• ½ teaspoon pepper divided
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1″ pieces
• 3 Tablespoons salted butter divided
• ½ yellow onion diced
• 2 bell peppers sliced (any color, I like to use red)
• 1 ½ cups (355 ml) heavy cream
• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Begin cooking pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large ziploc bag, toss together 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add chopped chicken, zip closed, and shake until chicken is coated. Set aside.
3. ½ teaspoon salt,½ teaspoon pepper,1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1″ pieces
4. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 Tablespoons of butter.
5. Transfer chicken to heated pan and cook until chicken is browned and just cooked through (cook in batches if needed). Remove to a plate and set aside.
6. Add remaining Tablespoon of butter to pan and cook until melted.
7. Add peppers and onion and cook, stirring frequently until beginning to soften (about 3-5 minutes).
8. ½ yellow onion,2 bell peppers
9. Add heavy cream, smoked paprika, basil, garlic powder, remaining 1 teaspoon of cajun seasoning and ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking until sauce is thickened.
10. 1 ½ cups heavy cream,¾ teaspoon smoked paprika,½ teaspoon dried basil,¼ teaspoon garlic powder
11. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add parmesan cheese and warm cooked, drained pasta and stir until cheese is melted. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley if desired.
12. ⅓ cup fresh parmesan cheese,8 oz penne pasta*

Notes

*Pasta

While I particularly enjoy this recipe served with penne, you can of course substitute your favorite type of pasta. Linguine is another popular option!

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1serving
• Calories: 568kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 488mg
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 33g
• Cholesterol: 174mg