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
Scale
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.
