If you are craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels both indulgent and homey, the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. This dish combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. The oven does the magic of melding these vibrant flavors, creating a mouthwatering feast that’s surprisingly simple to prepare but impressively rich in taste. Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a starring role in balancing the creamy, spicy, and fresh elements of the dish. From the bold Cajun seasoning that gives it a kick to the fresh cherry tomatoes roasting down to juicy sweetness, each addition is essential for building layers of flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for soaking up Cajun spices and baking to juicy perfection.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and tomatoes, promoting caramelization and enhancing richness.
- Cajun seasoning: Adds that signature smoky, spicy flavor that enlivens the entire dish.
- Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese: The creamy, herby cheese that melts into a luscious sauce, making this pasta ultra comforting.
- Cherry tomatoes: Roasted until bursting, these add an irresistible sweet and tangy contrast.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic yet crucial seasonings to balance and highlight all the other flavors.
- Penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce and chunks of chicken beautifully.
- Hot sauce: A splash amps up the heat and layers the spice to your personal liking.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F for the perfect roasting temperature. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook evenly and absorb more seasoning. Coat these pieces in olive oil and most of your Cajun seasoning, then lay them out on a baking sheet ready to roast. This step ensures the chicken is juicy with a nicely spiced crust.
Step 2: Assembling the Cheese and Tomatoes
While the chicken is prepped, place your Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe casserole dish. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This combination will roast to a creamy, bubbling delight with bursts of sweetness, creating the heart of your cheesy sauce.
Step 3: Roasting Everything Together
Pop both the chicken sheet and the cheese-tomato casserole into the oven. The chicken should roast for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through and flavorful. Simultaneously, the Boursin and tomatoes are melting and roasting down to create that rich, luscious mixture that will coat your pasta.
Step 4: Cooking the Pasta
While the oven works its magic, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water just before draining — this starchy liquid is the secret to bringing your sauce and pasta together smoothly.
Step 5: Combining the Ingredients
Once out of the oven, remove the chicken and transfer it to a cutting board to dice into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining Cajun seasoning into the casserole with the roasted Boursin and tomatoes. Stir gently as the sauce coats every piece. Fold in the diced chicken last, ensuring it’s all well combined and ready to serve.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. For an extra pop of flavor, add a dash of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, which complements the creamy sauce nicely. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette are also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the pasta directly from the casserole dish at the table, so everyone can grab generous scoops of chicken and cheesy tomatoes. Alternatively, individual portions plated with a side of roasted vegetables make for a balanced, elegant meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes fantastic the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it a tasty lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to save for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! While Boursin adds a unique garlic herb creaminess, you could substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs or a soft goat cheese for a similar effect, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The Cajun seasoning and hot sauce do bring a nice level of spice, but you can easily adjust both to your taste. Use less Cajun seasoning and reduce or omit the hot sauce for a milder version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne is ideal because it holds the creamy sauce well, but medium pasta shells or rigatoni also work beautifully. Avoid thin or delicate pastas that might get overwhelmed by the robust sauce and chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just cook according to package instructions and be mindful not to overcook, so it maintains a nice texture.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Definitely. Because it reheats well and stores nicely, the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks. Just portion it into containers and you have an easy grab-and-go dinner ready.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a fabulous dinner that marries bold spices, creamy cheese, and fresh roasted veggies into one unforgettable dish. It has all the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal with an exciting twist that your friends and family will love. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, this recipe will absolutely become a cherished staple in your kitchen rotation.
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Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and spicy dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts roasted alongside garlic herb Boursin cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The result is a comforting, well-balanced meal that delivers a delightful kick of heat with every bite, finished with a touch of hot sauce and cajun seasoning for extra depth.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Cheese and Vegetables
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20–24 ounces or 4 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thin pieces. Coat each piece with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then evenly sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over them. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet.
- Arrange Cheese and Tomatoes: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine the Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes into the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are softened.
- Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Remove and Slice Chicken: Once cooked, take the casserole dish and baking sheet out of the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the casserole dish with the Boursin and tomatoes. Stir everything together until well combined. Fold in the diced chicken, mixing thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while warm and enjoy the creamy, spicy, and savory combination of flavors.
Notes
- Adjust hot sauce quantity according to your spice preference to control the heat level.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other medium pasta shapes like shells or rigatoni.
- Make sure to slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Reserve pasta water is important as it helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- For a richer flavor, you may add freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
