Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake

$Chicken and Dairy Components - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Pasta and Seasoning Requirements - 8 ounces penne pasta - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil Optional Garnishes and Add-ons - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) The ingredients for Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken brings protein, while the cheeses add creaminess and flavor. Cajun seasoning gives this dish a unique kick. The pasta serves as a comforting base. Spinach is a great way to add some greens. Don't skip the fresh parsley; it makes a lovely garnish! Each ingredient works together to make the meal a tasty comfort dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your dish cooks evenly. While the oven heats, you can prepare the chicken and pasta. Preparing the Chicken Take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and dice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning until all the pieces are well coated. This gives the chicken a nice kick. Cooking the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne pasta and cook it according to package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Sautéing the Chicken In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Creating the Alfredo Sauce In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir to mix and bring this to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Now, stir in half of the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Combining Ingredients for Baking Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach to the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving it that extra flavor. Transferring to Baking Dish Take the mixture and transfer it into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly. Top it off with the remaining Parmesan cheese for a nice, cheesy crust. Baking Time and Temperature Put the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and bubbly. Once finished, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Choosing the Right Pasta I like using penne pasta for this bake. The ridges hold the sauce well. You can also try rotini or ziti. They both mix nicely with the creamy sauce and chicken. Tips for Seasoning Chicken Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning. It brings out the flavor. If you like heat, add more seasoning. A little extra can make it pop. Adjusting the Consistency of the Sauce If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. This keeps it creamy and smooth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps it thicken up nicely. Pairing with Sides Pair this dish with a fresh salad. A side of garlic bread also works well. It adds crunch and soaks up the sauce. Ideal Beverage Choices Serve with a light white wine. A crisp lemonade also goes great with it. Both drinks balance the rich flavors of the dish. Pro Tips Season Your Pasta Water: Always add salt to your boiling water before cooking pasta. This helps to enhance the flavor of the pasta itself. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final dish. Don't Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it's golden and cooked through to keep it juicy. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Let it Rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier serving. {{image_2}} Switching Up the Proteins You can easily change the protein in this dish. Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu. Each option brings a new taste. For shrimp, cook it for just a few minutes. It cooks fast and adds a nice twist. Turkey gives a leaner choice. Tofu is great for a vegan option. Just make sure to season it well to match the Cajun flavor. Adding More Vegetables More veggies boost the meal’s health and flavor. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Bell peppers add color and crunch. Zucchini brings a mild taste and soft texture. Mushrooms add umami and depth. Just sauté them before mixing into the bake. This step helps them blend well with the sauce. Alternative Seasonings If you want to mix things up, try new seasonings. Cajun spice is a classic, but you can use Italian herbs or even taco seasoning. Italian herbs give a fresh taste. Taco seasoning adds a fun twist. Just adjust the amount to suit your taste. Cheese Variety Options Cheese can change the whole dish. While Parmesan and mozzarella are great, try Gouda or cheddar. Gouda gives a smoky flavor. Cheddar adds a sharp taste. You can even mix different cheeses for a richer experience. Just remember to use cheese that melts well for the best results. To keep your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent drying out. Always let the dish cool completely before sealing it up. This will help maintain its creamy texture. The bake can last up to three days in the fridge. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool down completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it may expand. Your Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. After that, reheat it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Check that it's heated all the way through before serving. This way, you keep that creamy goodness intact! Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. You can assemble it and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready. What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use milk mixed with butter. For a thick and creamy sauce, try using half-and-half or coconut milk. These options will still give you a nice texture. Is it possible to make it spicy? Absolutely! To add more heat, use extra Cajun seasoning. You can also include diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount to your taste. How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken is done when it turns a golden brown color. You can also check with a meat thermometer. The inside should reach 165°F (75°C). Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can swap penne for any pasta you like. Fusilli and rigatoni work well. Just make sure to cook it al dente before mixing. How to tell if the bake is finished? The bake is ready when the top is golden and bubbly. You can also insert a knife into the center. If it comes out hot, it's done! In this blog post, we explored the delicious Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips you can trust. You learned how to prep chicken, cook pasta, and make a creamy sauce. We also shared helpful tips for perfect seasoning and serving ideas. In the end, this dish is easy and fun to make. With a few twists, you can make it your own. Enjoy every bite!$

Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake

A creamy and spicy baked pasta dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken and a blend of cheeses.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon 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 fresh spinach, roughly chopped
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, toss the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning until well coated.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and chopped spinach to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword Alfredo, baked, Cajun, chicken, pasta