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- 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups chicken broth - 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Fresh parsley for garnish - Additional spices or seasonings - Large deep skillet or oven-safe pot - Cooking utensils (spatula, knife, etc.) Gather these ingredients to create your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake. The chicken gives protein, while the Cajun seasoning adds a kick. Olive oil helps cook the chicken and veggies. Bell peppers and onions offer flavor and texture. Canned tomatoes and chicken broth create a nice base. Penne pasta absorbs all the flavors. Heavy cream makes it rich and creamy. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses finish it off perfectly. You can also add fresh parsley for color. If you like more spice, try other seasonings. Make sure you have the right tools. A large, deep skillet or oven-safe pot works best. Keep your cooking utensils handy to make the process smooth. With all these ingredients and tools, you’ll be ready to cook up a storm! First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the diced chicken. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over it. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Next, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté these veggies for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want them to soften up nicely. Now, stir in the can of diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring this mix to a boil. Then, add the uncooked penne pasta into the pot. Stir well to combine everything. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the pasta is al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, add the chicken back into the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and mix everything well. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Top the pasta mixture with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, place the pot in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. To get the best flavor in your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake, adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. Start with one tablespoon. If you like more heat, add extra seasoning. You can also mix in other spices. Try paprika for sweetness or cayenne for more heat. A splash of hot sauce can also boost the flavor. Cooking pasta al dente means it should be firm to the bite. To do this, check the cooking time on the package. Start tasting the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. This way, you can catch it just right. If you let it cook too long, it will become mushy. Stir the pasta often to help it cook evenly. Choosing the right cheese matters. I recommend using mozzarella for creaminess and Parmesan for flavor. You can also mix in cheddar for a different taste. To achieve a crispy cheese topping, bake the dish until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. Keep an eye on it, as every oven is different. Enjoy the delicious, cheesy crust! {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for shrimp or sausage. Both options add great flavor. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it later to avoid overcooking. Sausage brings a nice, smoky taste. Try spicy or mild sausage based on your liking. For pasta, penne works well but feel free to use rotini or even spaghetti. Each type will give a different texture and hold the sauce nicely. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty pasta that cooks well. You can also swap heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. This option gives a different flavor but still keeps the dish creamy. Cashew cream is another great choice for a nutty taste. You can add more veggies to boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work great in this dish. Just sauté them when cooking the other veggies. Don't forget to play with spice levels! Add more Cajun seasoning for a kick, or toss in red pepper flakes to heat things up. Adjust it until you find your perfect blend! To keep your One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in airtight containers. This will help prevent it from drying out. Make sure to cool it down before sealing the container. Use shallow containers for quicker cooling. For the best texture, reheat your pasta bake gently. You can use an oven or microwave. If you choose the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly. You can freeze this dish for later. I recommend freezing single servings. This way, you can grab just what you need. Use freezer-safe containers for best results. The dish lasts about three months in the freezer. Remember to label your containers with the date! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some best practices: - Cook the chicken and veggies as stated in the recipe. - After mixing in the pasta and cream, let it cool. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - When ready to eat, simply bake it. It warms up nicely. To add heat to your pasta bake, try these tips: - Use extra Cajun seasoning or a spicier blend. - Toss in some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper. - Consider adding a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the cream. - Serve with red pepper flakes for extra spice. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some suggestions: - A fresh, crisp green salad adds nice contrast. - Garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. - Roasted vegetables can enhance the meal's flavor. - You could also serve it with corn on the cob for a classic touch. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Here’s how: - Substitute the chicken with diced mushrooms or tofu. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for added flavor. - Follow the recipe as usual, and you'll have a tasty vegetarian meal. This blog post covered everything you need to make One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and handy tips for the best results. You learned how to mix flavors and make this dish your own with variations. Remember, you can switch up ingredients and adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Whether you enjoy it fresh or save leftovers, this meal offers comfort and flavor. Dive in and enjoy your cooking journey!

One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Get ready to indulge in a delicious One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake! This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy cheese for a comforting meal that's easy to prepare in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes just 40 minutes from prep to table. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat your family to a flavorful dinner they'll love!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

2 cups chicken broth

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large, deep skillet or oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

    In the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.

      Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.

        Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot, stirring well to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.

          Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

            Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

              Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.

                Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                  Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6