Get ready for a culinary adventure that combines the bold, spicy kick of Cajun seasoning with the creamy, comforting embrace of Alfredo sauce! This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake is not just another pasta dish – it's a flavor explosion that will transform your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. Imagine tender, Cajun-spiced chicken nestled in perfectly cooked penne, smothered in rich Alfredo sauce, and topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust that'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
- 1 lb Cajun-seasoned chicken breast, cooked and diced
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, diced Cajun-seasoned chicken breast, and Alfredo sauce. Stir well until all the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even baking.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. This will create a flavorful cheese topping for your bake.
- Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta and chicken in the baking dish. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
- Before serving, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve the Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake warm, and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish with family and friends!
Tips
- Spice Up Your Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in Cajun seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking to let the spices really penetrate the meat.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook the penne al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and maintains a perfect texture.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional value and add more flavor complexity.
- Meal Prep Hack: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- Leftover Love: This bake reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 125mg
