Comforting casserole with tender chicken, spicy Cajun herbs, creamy sauce, and melted cheese baked alongside pasta.
# Components:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pasta
06 - 10 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
→ Sauces & Dairy
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 tablespoon butter
09 - ¾ cup heavy cream
10 - ½ cup milk
11 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Spices & Seasonings
14 - 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, plus extra for garnish
15 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
18 - ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
# Method:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water, cooking 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 - Add diced onions and bell peppers to the same skillet. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and optional chili flakes; cook for 1 minute.
05 - Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and milk, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
06 - Add three-quarters of the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Return chicken to skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as desired.
08 - Place mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top.
09 - Bake in preheated oven for 18–20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
10 - Sprinkle chopped parsley and a pinch of Cajun seasoning over the baked dish before serving.
