Description
A hearty and flavorful Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole combining tender chicken, smoky Cajun sausage, and creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection. This comforting dish features a delicious blend of Cajun spices, vegetables, and tender penne pasta, making it a perfect family-friendly meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced
- 12 oz Smoked Cajun Sausage, Sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, Chopped
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 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
- Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cook Pasta: Boil water and cook the penne pasta just shy of al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Sausage: In the same skillet, add sliced Cajun sausage. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside with the chicken.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute to release its aroma.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer to blend flavors.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly top with shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden brown crust on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm for an impressive and comforting meal.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta just shy of al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking in the casserole.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level to your preference.
- For an extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or ziti based on availability.
