Description
A comforting Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a kick of Cajun seasoning—a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Season and cook the chicken: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning onto both sides of the chicken thighs. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to prevent bubbling. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in both cheeses until the sauce is smooth and lump-free.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce to the skillet with the chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. For an extra golden top, use the broiler for a couple of minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or pasta for varied flavors. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for kids.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken Pasta, Bake, Comfort Food