Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake

$- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 ounces penne pasta - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt The main ingredients in Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken gives it protein and heartiness. The penne pasta makes it filling and fun to eat. Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick, while garlic brings a depth of flavor. Heavy cream and cheese create a smooth and rich sauce. - 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red and green) - Fresh parsley for garnish Adding vegetables like bell peppers gives extra color and nutrition. They also add a sweet crunch. You can use fresh parsley as a garnish. This adds brightness and a pop of flavor. - Large cooking pot - Skillet - 9x13 inch baking dish You will need a large pot to boil the pasta. A skillet is essential to cook the chicken and sauce. A baking dish is crucial for the final bake. Make sure your equipment is ready before you start cooking. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Prepping the chicken Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning all over the chicken. This adds a kick to your dish. - Cooking the pasta In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. - Sautéing chicken and vegetables In a big skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Once the chicken is done, add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften. - Creating the Alfredo sauce Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Let it simmer gently. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add black pepper and salt to enhance the flavor. - Combining ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy chicken mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. - Transfer to baking dish Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top for a delicious crust. - Oven time Place the dish in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Enjoy your meal! - Adjusting spice levels To change the heat, add more or less Cajun seasoning. Start with one tablespoon and taste. If it’s not spicy enough, add more. You can also mix in some hot sauce for extra heat. - Cheese variations You can swap cheeses for different flavors. Try gouda or cheddar instead of Parmesan. Mixing different cheeses gives a richer taste. Experiment with what you like best! - Perfectly cooked chicken Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown. This gives it a nice flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). - Al dente pasta Cook your pasta for about 8-10 minutes. It should be firm yet tender. Drain it right away to stop the cooking. This keeps pasta from getting mushy. - Serving suggestions Serve this dish hot in a large bowl. It looks great on the table. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. - Garnishing ideas Add fresh parsley on top for color. You can also sprinkle extra cheese for a tasty touch. A few slices of red pepper can add a nice pop too! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bell peppers and herbs enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference. Mix Cheeses: Combining different cheeses like cheddar or gouda with mozzarella can add a unique flavor profile. Let It Rest: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven for easier serving. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for shrimp or sausage. Shrimp gives a nice twist. Just sauté it until it's pink, like the chicken. Sausage adds a hearty touch. Use smoked sausage for extra flavor. Slice it thin and cook it in the skillet until browned. If you want a meatless version, use extra veggies. Broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini work great. You can also swap pasta for whole grain or spiralized veggies. Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can add fun and flavor. For gluten-free needs, choose alternative pasta types. Look for gluten-free penne or spaghetti. Many brands offer tasty options. For sauces, use cornstarch or arrowroot to thicken. This keeps the dish creamy without wheat. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. When it's time to eat again, you have two options: the oven or the microwave. If you use the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the dish in a baking pan and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until it's warm. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in short bursts of two minutes, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake lasts well in the fridge for about three days. In the freezer, it remains good for up to three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks different, it's best to toss it. Enjoy your meal without worry! If you want to swap out heavy cream, there are good options. You can use whole milk mixed with butter. For a better thickness, try using half-and-half. This works well in many creamy recipes. Here are some dairy alternatives: - Whole milk and butter - Half-and-half - Greek yogurt (for a thicker option) For vegan options, you can use coconut milk. It adds a nice flavor. You can also choose almond milk mixed with cornstarch. This gives a creamy texture without dairy. If you like heat, adding more seasoning is an easy way to amp up the spice. You can sprinkle extra Cajun seasoning into the mix. This will enhance the flavors and heat. You can also incorporate hot sauce. A splash of your favorite sauce can make a big difference. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want to keep the balance. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! It saves time on busy nights. Just prepare the pasta and sauce as directed. Then, combine everything and place it in the baking dish. For overnight storage, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This blog post covered how to make a delicious chicken Alfredo. We looked at the key ingredients, including chicken, pasta, and seasonings. We discussed steps to prepare and cook, along with baking instructions. I shared tips for flavor, cooking, and presentation, plus variations for different diets. Finally, we went over how to store leftovers and answer common questions. Now you have all you need to create this tasty dish! Enjoy your cooking journey and share your tasty results!$

A creamy and flavorful baked pasta dish with Cajun seasoned chicken and cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup chopped bell peppers (red and green)
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 bunch fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the bell peppers are slightly tender.
Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, and then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Add black pepper and salt to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne with the chicken Alfredo sauce. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword Alfredo, bake, Cajun, chicken, pasta