Name: Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Louisiana
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenders, breast or thighs; cajun seasoning; salt and pepper to taste; 6 tbsp butter; 1/2 red onion, diced; 10 cloves garlic; 2 crowns broccoli, broken into small florets; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 roma tomatoes, diced; 1 lb pasta, farfelle (penne or any pasta of your choice); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/3 cup chicken stock/broth; 1 cup parmesan, grated; 3 cups shredded cheese, divided (colby jack, cheddar, pepperjack whichever you prefer); olive oil

Jump to Recipe

If you want to bring the spirit of New Orleans right to your kitchen table, this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake is a celebration of Cajun flavors, creamy sauce, and cheesy golden goodness in every bite. Succulent chicken, vibrant veggies, and punchy spices come together with pasta under a melty roof of cheese—it’s a comforting bake that turns your weeknight dinner into something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to jazz up your pasta routine, the Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake is a surefire winner you’ll reach for again and again.

Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines through its bold yet approachable ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, offering texture, color, and a signature Cajun kick for the Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake. Don’t let the list intimidate you—these are everyday kitchen heroes coming together in the most delicious way.

Chicken tenders (2 lbs): Opt for breast or thigh meat for tender, juicy results—thighs give a bit richer flavor.
Butter (6 tbsp): Adds creaminess to the sauce and a buttery sizzle to every step.
Red onion (1/2, diced): Its savory sweetness builds the flavor base for the veggies.
Garlic (10 cloves): Don’t shy away—this much garlic infuses every layer with bold savoriness.
Broccoli crowns (2): Broken into small florets, they bring a pop of green and a healthy crunch.
Red bell pepper (1, diced): Lends sweetness and color that brightens up the whole bake.
Roma tomatoes (2, diced): Their juices help build a luscious, slightly tangy sauce.
Pasta (1 lb): Farfalle is fun, but penne or any favorite pasta holds up beautifully under all that sauce and cheese.
Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Makes the sauce irresistibly rich and silky.
Chicken stock (1/3 cup): Deeper savory notes while keeping the sauce fluid and light.
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated): Brings nutty, salty depth to the creamy sauce.
Shredded cheese (3 cups, divided): Mix Colby jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for the ultimate cheesy topping and filling.
Cajun seasoning: The bold flavor maker; adjust to your heat preference.
Salt and pepper: To fine-tune every layer’s taste.
Olive oil: For searing chicken and boosting that golden finish.

How to Make Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Prep & Sauté Veggies

Start by dicing your red onion, mincing the garlic, chopping broccoli into bite-sized florets, and dicing the bell pepper. In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add a tablespoon of garlic. Sauté until fragrant—just about a minute—then toss in the peppers, onion and broccoli. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are just browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside in a large bowl. This step seals in the veggies’ color and crunch, which will make your Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake feel extra lively!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Before you cook, pat your chicken dry and season it all over with plenty of Cajun seasoning—this infuses the meat with instant flavor. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to remove the fridge chill. In the same skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sear the chicken for 3 minutes per side over medium heat. Next, add another tablespoon of butter plus a spoonful of garlic. Toss the chicken around so it soaks up all that buttery, garlicky goodness. Transfer the chicken and any pan juices into the bowl with your veggies, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. The quick rest keeps the chicken juicy, a must for any stellar Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Back in your trusty skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and add the remaining garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant—followed by your diced roma tomatoes. Let the tomatoes soften and break down for 2–3 minutes, mashing slightly with a fork to release their juices. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken stock, then sprinkle in extra Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper, and the grated Parmesan. Simmer gently, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens just a touch into a rich, silky blanket. While this bubbles away, get your pasta water boiling and cook the pasta to al dente. This creamy, zesty sauce is the secret to that “can’t-stop-eating-it” quality in Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake.

Step 4: Toss & Bake

Once your sauce is perfect and pasta is drained, add the cooked pasta into the skillet (or a big mixing bowl if your skillet isn’t big enough) along with the sliced chicken, veggies, and half of the shredded cheese. Toss everything together until every noodle is coated and every bite looks loaded. Scoop the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with the rest of your cheese and a pinch of Cajun seasoning or paprika for a pretty finish. Bake at 375 degrees for 15–20 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown. As you pull it from the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes—this helps the bake hold its shape and gives the cheese time to set up into glorious, stretchy, gooey perfection.

How to Serve Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake, think big flavor and fresh color! A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, or a few dashes of extra Cajun seasoning make the dish pop. If you love heat, a little drizzle of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes elevates every cheesy bite. Even a final scatter of shaved parmesan can’t hurt!

Side Dishes

A dish this hearty deserves simple, satisfying sides. Classic breadsticks or buttery Texas toast are perfect for sopping up every last drop of creamy sauce. Round things out with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to add contrast and freshness. For a total Cajun feast, consider serving it with roasted corn or a side of garlicky green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake the wow factor by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party twist or scooping it straight from the dish at a casual family table. If you’re hosting brunch, offer it as part of a Southern-inspired buffet alongside sweet tea and pickles. For a weeknight meal, pile those cheesy scoops high and top with extra veggies or jalapeños for a fun, customizable meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake is a thing of beauty! Allow the bake to cool to room temperature before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making sure every cheesy layer stays as fresh as possible.

Freezing

This bake is freezer-friendly—perfect for meal prep! Once cooled, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil (or use freezer-safe containers). The Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake will keep for up to 2 months. To prevent ice crystals, let the bake cool fully and double-wrap if possible.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of chicken stock, cream, and a little pat of butter—about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 350-degree oven until hot. The moisture boost keeps the pasta creamy and the cheese gooey, just like freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle, penne, or rigatoni are great for soaking up the sauce, any sturdy pasta shape works well in Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft.

What’s the best way to make this less spicy for kids?

Simply use a mild Cajun seasoning and skip any extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce. The cheesy sauce and sweet veggies shine on their own, making this a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach along with the original vegetables. The Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake is wonderfully flexible, so use up whatever fresh produce you have on hand.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. All the creamy, cheesy magic of the Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake will still shine through!

Can I prep this ahead and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to one day. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the center is hot and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you dive right into this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake and make it a new staple in your dinner rotation. There’s just something magical about the creamy, spicy, cheesy combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the flavors of Louisiana—you won’t regret it!

Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a Cajun kick. Perfect for a delicious family dinner!

Instructions

Prep & Saute Veggies – Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Season chicken with cajun seasoning. Saute garlic in butter, then cook peppers, onion, and broccoli. Set aside.
Cook Chicken – Cook chicken in olive oil, then toss in butter and garlic. Slice and set aside.
Make the Sauce – Saute garlic, add tomatoes, cream, stock, cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Simmer. Cook pasta.
Toss & Bake – Combine pasta, chicken, veggies, sauce, and half of cheese. Bake in a dish topped with remaining cheese.
Reheating & Serving Tips – To reheat, add stock, cream, and butter to each bowl. Serve with breadsticks or salad.