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Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Bake with vibrant vegetables and rich sauce

Creamy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Bake

A comforting and bold baked pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, Cajun spices, tender chicken, and smoky sausage, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun, Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Bake
  • 8 oz Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni) Choose a type that holds sauce well.
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs Thighs will stay juicier.
  • 12 oz Smoked sausage (like andouille) Any smoky sausage works.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Half and half can be used with caution.
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Use to keep the sauce loose.
  • 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese For the melty top.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust for spice preference.
  • 1 medium Bell pepper Chopped.
  • 1 medium Onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 tbsp Butter or olive oil For cooking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
  2. Slice the sausage into coins and cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet with butter or oil. Brown the sausage, then remove it from the skillet.
  2. In the same skillet, add chicken and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook until mostly done.
  3. Add onion and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and cream, letting the sauce simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
  5. Add sausage and cooked pasta, stirring until everything is coated.
  6. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta. Keep the sauce slightly looser than needed to prevent dryness during baking. For a crispier top, broil for a minute after baking.