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Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy baked Cajun chicken pasta with three cheeses. Easy, one-dish comfort food with a spicy kick, ready in about an hour. Perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta or other twisted pasta
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Equipment

  • Large pot for pasta
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Cheese grater
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Place cubed chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, then toss to coat.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions, stopping 1-2 minutes short. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same pot used for pasta, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Pour in milk and add cream cheese; whisk until creamy and smooth.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in shredded cheddar and 1½ cups of Parmesan cheese until fully melted and combined.
  6. Add the drained pasta and seared chicken into the cheese sauce, folding gently until well coated.
  7. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Try swapping chicken breasts for thighs for more flavor. For a lighter version, consider reduced-fat cheeses and low-fat milk.
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