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One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake

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This One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake combines juicy chicken, bold Cajun spices, creamy Alfredo sauce, and melty cheese in a single oven-safe pot. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that’s easy to customize and even easier to clean up.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta (or ziti, rotini, or rigatoni; gluten-free if needed)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and position a rack in the center.
  2. Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Add extra cayenne if you like more heat.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  5. Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  6. Add uncooked penne pasta and stir well to combine. The pasta should be mostly submerged; add a splash more broth if needed.
  7. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if it looks dry; the sauce will thicken as the pasta cooks.
  8. Return the seared chicken and any juices to the pot. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Transfer the pot, uncovered, to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  10. For a golden, crispy cheese crust, broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

If the sauce looks thin, it will thicken as it cools; if too thick, stir in a little warm broth. For extra veggies, add spinach or bell peppers before baking. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. For dairy-free, substitute with coconut cream and vegan cheese. Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken alfredo, one pot pasta, creamy pasta bake, weeknight dinner, easy chicken recipe, family meal, spicy pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/one-pot-creamy-cajun-chicken-alfredo-bake-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/