Description
Creamy Cajun Chicken Penne Bake is a spicy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dinner made in under an hour. Perfect for busy nights or crowd-pleasing meals!
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup cream cheese (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan
1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Toss chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
4. Add cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy. Return chicken to the pan.
5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a milder dish, use half the Cajun seasoning and add more cream.
Use leftover chicken or rotisserie to save time.
Freezes well in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun