Description
A hearty and flavorful Southern-inspired pasta bake featuring juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and al dente pasta—all baked to perfection with a golden top.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- Salt for boiling water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions
- Additional Cajun seasoning or paprika
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning and olive oil. Sear in a hot skillet until cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onions in butter until soft. Add garlic, paprika, and more Cajun seasoning.
- Stir in chicken broth, bring to simmer. Whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream.
- Lower heat, mix in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted. Loosen with pasta water if needed.
- Fold in pasta and cooked chicken until well coated.
- Transfer to greased 9×13″ baking dish. Top with extra cheese or seasoning if desired.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–20 min until bubbly. Broil for 1–2 min for golden top.
- Let rest 5 min. Garnish and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes