Bold Cajun flavor, tender chicken, and ultra-creamy, cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection — this casserole is comfort food with a spicy Southern twist.
📝 Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken
Toss diced chicken with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, sauté onion and red bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in diced tomatoes and smoked paprika.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower heat and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5️⃣ Combine Everything
Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and 1 cup mozzarella plus all of the Parmesan. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
6️⃣ Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra color, broil 2–3 minutes at the end.
7️⃣ Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍽 Serves: 6
Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and slightly spicy — this Cajun chicken pasta casserole is the ultimate cozy family dinner with bold flavor in every bite.