If you’re craving a soul-soothing dish that bursts with bold flavors and creamy comfort, the Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This casserole brings together tender chicken, smoky Cajun sausage, and a vibrant blend of vegetables all swirled in a luscious, cheesy sauce. With perfectly cooked penne pasta soaking up every bit of that spicy goodness, it’s a one-dish wonder that warms you from the inside out. Every bite promises a delightful explosion of spice, creaminess, and just the right hint of smoky heat, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe truly shine are the simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor depth, adding strength in texture, or bringing a splash of color to the plate. Together, they form a symphony of tastes that’s both hearty and memorable.
- Olive Oil: The perfect base for sautéing, giving your chicken and veggies a nice sear and subtle fruity notes.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein diced into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking and tender bites.
- Smoked Cajun Sausage: Adds robust smoky flavor and a bit of spice that defines this dish’s personality.
- Cajun Seasoning: The magical blend that kicks up heat and layers in aromatic spices for that signature Cajun flair.
- Yellow Onion: Sweetness and depth build here, softening into the sauce as it cooks.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings sweetness and a splash of vibrant red color to brighten the casserole.
- Garlic: The aromatic hero that carries flavor and gives the dish a warm, irresistible smell.
- Penne Pasta: Perfectly shaped to catch the sauce, providing a satisfying chew with each forkful.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and moisture to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy base that envelopes every ingredient in richness.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Infuses a subtle tang and gentle, smoky heat that brightens the sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to give that gooey, stretchy texture that everyone loves.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy bite that complements the creaminess perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor in the casserole.
- Fresh Parsley: A fresh, herbaceous garnish to add a pop of green and a touch of brightness before serving.
How to Make Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a large casserole dish so your masterpiece doesn’t stick. While the oven warms, cook the penne pasta just shy of al dente—this ensures it won’t turn mushy in the oven but will soak up just enough sauce to be tender and flavorful. Drain and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced chicken, seasoning it halfway with the Cajun seasoning. This gives the chicken a nice, spicy crust once cooked. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken turns golden and is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, we’ll bring it all back together soon.
Step 3: Brown the Cajun Sausage
In the same skillet, toss in your sliced smoked Cajun sausage and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to brown lightly and release its smoky oils. This step intensifies the flavor and helps the sausage crisp up a bit. Remove and keep it with the chicken for the next step.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
Now lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften wonderfully and release their sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute—watch out, that aroma will make your kitchen smell incredible!
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the remaining Cajun seasoning into the skillet. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. This sauce is where the magic happens, marrying smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors into one irresistible base.
Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sausage
Return the penne pasta, cooked chicken, and Cajun sausage to the skillet. Give everything a good toss to combine all the flavors evenly, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This step invites all the ingredients to mingle and soak up that delicious sauce together.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this hearty mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Generously top it with shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for that perfect cheesy crown. Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and inviting. For an extra golden crust, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh, herbal note and that wonderful pop of color. Now it’s ready to dive in and enjoy!
How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh parsley garnish isn’t just for looks; it cuts through the richness with its bright, herbal freshness, enhancing every bite. You might also sprinkle a touch of extra Cajun seasoning or even a few sliced green onions for added color and zing, making the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a full meal in itself, but if you want to complement it, consider serving a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette for freshness, or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli that offer a nice contrast in texture and nutritional balance to the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving scoops of the casserole inside halved baked sweet potatoes for an unexpected presentation. Alternatively, turning leftovers into individual portions baked in small ramekins is a lovely way to personalize the dish for guests or family members.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your casserole, allow any leftovers to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll keep well for up to 3 to 4 days while maintaining that creamy texture and bold flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to prep ahead or save for busy nights. To do this, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps preserve the creamy sauce without drying it out. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, but add a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook the pasta just shy of al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies do add some heat, but it’s usually mild to medium spice. You can adjust by adding more or less seasoning or opting for mild sausage if you prefer a gentler kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the chicken and sausage for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based sausage alternatives. You might want to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
What cheese works best for topping?
The combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar gives the casserole a beautiful melt and flavor balance. You could experiment by adding Parmesan for an extra savory boost or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
How long does it take to prepare this casserole?
Including prep, cooking, and baking, this recipe takes about 55 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s truly a crowd-favorite and packed with layers of flavor, you won’t regret making this Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe. It’s a beautiful balance of spice, creaminess, and comfort that feels like a warm hug on a plate. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again.
Print
Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This loaded chicken and Cajun sausage pasta casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, smoky Cajun sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce with a spicy kick. Baked to perfection with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, it makes a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced
- 12 oz Smoked Cajun Sausage, Sliced
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, Chopped
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
Pantry & Dairy
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 10 oz Penne Pasta
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish to prepare for baking later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta just shy of al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish and evenly top with shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden crust, optionally broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta just shy of al dente helps prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Use smoked Cajun sausage for authentic smoky flavor, but you can substitute with other spicy sausages if desired.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Broiling at the end adds a nice golden crust to the cheese topping—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
