If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and crowd-pleasing comfort food, the hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation! Imagine tender chicken and zesty Cajun sausage mingling with sweet peppers, luscious cheese, and perfectly al dente penne—all baked into one irresistible, bubbly, golden casserole. This dish is everything you want in a weeknight meal: fast, flavor-packed, and enough to feed a hungry crew with a smile. Whether you’re looking for something new for Sunday supper or a make-ahead wonder for busy nights, this casserole is hands-down one of my favorite savory creations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create such a vibrant, layered dish! Each element, from the spicy Cajun sausage to the trio of cheeses, plays an essential role in building flavor, texture, and that signature southern comfort color in your hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole.
- Penne Pasta: The ridges grab onto all that creamy sauce for the perfect bite every time.
- Olive Oil: A quick drizzle helps brown the chicken and sausage, adding richness to the base.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it provides lean, tender protein in every forkful.
- Smoked Cajun Sausage: Delivers authentic southern smokiness and a little heat—use your favorite brand.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: They add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of beautiful color.
- Yellow Onion: Sautéed onion gives aromatic flavor and a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
- Fresh Garlic Cloves: Don’t skimp here—a few cloves give the entire casserole a savory depth.
- Cajun Seasoning: The heart of the dish! Adjust the amount to your family’s heat preference.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smoke and vibrant red hue to the sauce.
- Black Pepper and Salt: Season as you go for balanced flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: A sprinkle helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory richness and keeps the casserole from feeling too heavy.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its decadent, silky texture—definitely a must for comfort food bliss!
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Bold, tangy cheddar melts beautifully throughout the casserole.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For those dreamy cheese pulls and gentle flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle on top caramelizes for that salty, golden finish.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): The finishing touch of fresh green makes your hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole look (and taste) extra special.
How to Make hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and chopping everything ahead of time—trust me, being prepped makes this recipe even easier. Cook your penne pasta to al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks when it’s time for that glorious cheese bubble.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Sausage
In a big skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium-high. Add your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is golden and just cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes should do it! Pull them out and set aside, then toss in your sliced sausage. Let it sizzle and brown a little on both sides to bring out that smoky flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Into the same skillet (no need to wash it—those browned bits add flavor!), add the diced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until they’re just softened; the veggies should look vibrant and fragrant, not mushy.
Step 4: Make a Creamy Cajun Sauce
Sprinkle the flour right over your cooked veggies and stir it around for about a minute—it’ll form a roux and help thicken things up later. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously so you don’t get lumps. Next, pour in the heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let this sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s thickened slightly and smells irresistible.
Step 5: Combine, Layer, and Bake
Now for the magic! Off the heat, stir your cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and half of each cheese right into the sauce. Make sure everything is coated and well mixed. Pour this glorious mixture into your prepared baking dish, then scatter the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan over the top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s hot, bubbly, and sporting a golden cheesy crust.
Step 6: Let Rest and Garnish
Once your hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole emerges triumphantly from the oven, give it five minutes to rest—this helps the flavors meld and makes serving a breeze. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’d like and get ready for major compliments at the table!
How to Serve hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley offers a burst of freshness and color that lifts the whole casserole. If you love a little extra kick, try a dusting of additional Cajun seasoning or some red pepper flakes. For special occasions, finishing with a handful of thinly sliced green onions adds crunch and beautiful green flecks to your hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is the star of any meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or crisp, buttery garlic bread for those who like to mop up every bit of sauce. For something lighter, try serving alongside roasted broccoli or a medley of steam-sautéed green beans and carrots.
Creative Ways to Present
Dishing the hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole into individual ramekins is always fun for dinner parties—everyone loves their own mini casserole! If you’re bringing this to a potluck, you can bake it up in a Dutch oven for easy transport and a rustic look. For a cozy family dinner, serve straight from the baking dish and let everyone dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this casserole are an absolute treat! Let the hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or a second night of easy dining.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole but skip the final bake and cheese topping; once cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving a hit of Cajun flavor, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the final layer of cheese, and bake as usual.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat a larger portion (covered with foil) in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until hot and bubbly—usually about 20–25 minutes. If the casserole seems a bit dry, splash on a touch more cream or chicken broth before reheating to restore that delicious sauciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for grabbing lots of sauce, rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli will work beautifully in this hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole. Just aim for a bite-size pasta that holds up well in a creamy bake.
What if I only have mild sausage?
No worries—mild sausage is delicious, too! Consider adding an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning or a little cayenne pepper to pump up the heat and make sure your hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole still has that signature spicy personality.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe was made for planning ahead! Simply assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
Any trusted store-bought Cajun blend will do the trick, or make your own with a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne. Taste and adjust to suit your preference—the key to a great hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is finding your perfect heat level!
Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to toss in diced tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or even frozen peas for an extra veggie boost. Just be sure to sauté any fresh additions alongside the peppers and onions so everything cooks evenly in the casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that brings everyone to the table smiling, the hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is the answer. Whether you’re new to Cajun flavors or a longtime fan, this dish is pure comfort with a kick. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your family!) will thank you.
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hicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Sausage:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces smoked Cajun sausage, sliced
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Sauce and Cheese:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook pasta al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken and Sausage: Brown chicken in olive oil with Cajun seasoning, set aside. Brown sausage in the same skillet.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet, sauté until softened.
- Make Sauce: Sprinkle in flour, add broth, cream, seasonings, simmer until thickened.
- Assemble and Bake: Combine pasta, chicken, cheese, sauce in dish, top with remaining cheese, bake until bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let casserole rest before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust Cajun seasoning to taste or add red pepper flakes for more heat.
- This dish reheats well and can be made ahead, stored in the refrigerator up to 2 days before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
