Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake: Easy Comforting Dinner 🍗🍝🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake. Combining the bold spices and Southern charm of Louisiana with the comforting textures of a baked pasta dish, this recipe elevates your dinner experience. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need an easy weeknight dinner, this Louisiana style pasta recipe is perfect for satisfying every craving. Its savory, cheesy goodness makes it a true comfort food favorite.
2. Ingredients for Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
3. Step-by-Step Preparation of Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake
3.1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. For more pasta inspiration, check out our healthy easy broccoli pasta recipe.
3.2. Prepare the Louisiana Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant. Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
3.3. Combine the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and bring to a simmer. Pour in the heavy cream or milk and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if necessary. For a creamy variation, consider trying our creamy dreamy tortellini with herbs.
3.4. Assemble the Pasta Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed chicken and sauce, and half of the shredded cheeses. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.
3.5. Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled pasta bake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
4. Storage Tips for Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake
This comforting pasta dinner stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid freezing as the texture of the baked pasta may change. For more flavorful ideas on storing leftovers, see our cheese-related articles.
5. Serving Suggestions for Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake
Pair this flavorful Louisiana-style pasta with a light mixed greens salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. A side of cornbread or garlic bread complements the dish perfectly, adding extra comfort to your meal. For more Southern-inspired sides, explore our savory juicy chicken tacos.
6. Why Choose an Easy Chicken Pasta Bake
This easy chicken pasta bake is not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Its rich flavors and cheesy topping create a hearty, comforting pasta dinner that the whole family will love. If you’re interested in other quick and tasty chicken dishes, visit our chicken category for more ideas.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake
Q1: Can I make this Louisiana chicken pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble the pasta, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Q2: Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate level of spice due to the Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference. For milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Q3: Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work well, but feel free to experiment with your favorites. For additional pasta ideas, explore our dinner recipes.
8. Conclusion
In conclusion, this Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake offers a delightful fusion of bold spices and creamy comfort, making it an easy chicken pasta bake that stands out among traditional pasta recipes. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe guarantees a delicious, comforting pasta dinner that everyone will enjoy. Give it a try today and bring a taste of Louisiana to your dinner table!
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Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake: Easy Comforting Dinner
Experience a bold and hearty Louisiana Chicken Pasta Bake, a comforting and tasty dinner option packed with flavorful spices, melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, and juicy chicken, ideal for family meals or weeknight dinners craving Southern flair.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken to skillet and cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes with chilies, simmer briefly.
- Pour in heavy cream or milk, cook 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine cooked pasta, chicken with sauce, and half of cheeses in a large bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden, broil briefly for extra crispiness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake before serving.
- Use other pasta shapes like shells or ziti for variation.
- Top with extra cheese or herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Louisiana
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
