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Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake

Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and rich Alfredo sauce, all baked under a gooey melted cheese topping. This one-dish meal balances bold spices with creamy, cheesy goodness, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Seasoning & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente)

Sauce & Dairy

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Extra grated Parmesan for topping (about ¼ cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss them thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, ensuring the spices infuse the chicken well.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil penne or rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside since it will finish cooking in the oven with the sauce.
  3. Make the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until smooth, rich, and velvety, taking care to avoid lumps.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked Cajun chicken, al dente pasta, and Alfredo sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating of the sauce and spices.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in the oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use fresh or high-quality Cajun seasoning for the best flavor impact.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking while baking and absorb the sauce better.
  • Layer cheese inside the mix and on top for an extra gooey, cheesy texture.
  • Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
  • Use a heavy-duty baking dish to ensure even heat distribution and avoid burnt edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken bake, creamy chicken Alfredo, cheesy chicken casserole, one-dish dinner, Cajun pasta bake

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-alfredo-bake/