If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor, comforting textures, and a little Cajun kick, look no further than this Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender chicken and spicy Cajun sausage melding perfectly with tender pasta, creamy cheese sauces, and vibrant bell peppers, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Every bite delivers a delightful mix of smoky, cheesy, and savory notes, making this casserole a perfect weeknight dinner or weekend crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is incredibly satisfying to serve and enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and packed with character, these ingredients come together to create a dish that is as colorful as it is delicious. Each component plays a crucial role—from the tender chicken and flavorful Cajun sausage to the creamy blend of cheeses and the fresh bell peppers that add a pop of brightness and crunch.
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta: Choose shapes that hold sauce well, ensuring each bite is coated with creamy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly sautéing the chicken and veggies, adding a subtle richness.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and tender bites.
- 8 ounces Cajun sausage (like andouille), sliced: Delivers smoky, spicy goodness that defines the casserole’s bold flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: Balances the red pepper with a mild bitterness and crunch.
- 1 small onion, diced: Builds a savory base with subtle sweetness when cooked down.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: The heart of the spice profile for an authentic kick.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a beautiful reddish hue.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing them together harmoniously.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and sharpness to the mix.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 ½ cups milk: The base for the luscious, smooth sauce that coats every ingredient.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Boosts savory flavor and keeps the sauce silky and light.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, tangy creaminess that melts beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings stretchy, gooey texture that pasta casseroles are known for.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that rounds out the cheese blend.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbal finish that looks stunning on top and brightens the dish.
How to Make Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by prepping your pasta, which is the comforting backbone of this casserole. Boil the penne or rotini in salted water until al dente—tender but still with a slight bite that will stand up beautifully to baking. Drain it well and set it aside, so your pasta is ready to soak up all the creamy, spicy flavors later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Sausage
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they turn a lovely golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Next, toss in the sliced Cajun sausage and let those flavorful rounds cook for another 3 minutes. This step builds the deep, smoky base flavor that makes this casserole irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Add Spices
Now, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic right into the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened just enough to release their wonderful aroma and sweetness. Sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well so the spices evenly coat the mixture. This layer of seasoning infuses the dish with its signature Cajun flair.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mixture, cooking it for about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste. Then slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Keep cooking the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens pleasantly, becoming velvety enough to cling to the pasta and meats while baking.
Step 5: Combine with Cheese and Pasta
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is luxuriously melted and smooth. Add your cooked pasta right into the skillet, tossing everything together so each bite boasts cheesy, spicy goodness in perfect harmony.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheeses evenly on top. Place it in your preheated oven at 375°F and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crust that is simply mouthwatering. Once baked, don’t forget to garnish with chopped fresh parsley for that perfect final touch of freshness and color.
How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the rich, cheesy casserole with a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. For those who love an extra kick, a dash of smoked paprika or a light drizzle of hot sauce on top amps up both the visual appeal and the spicy flavor.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to balance the richness. You might also enjoy serving it alongside buttery garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that cheesy sauce, making the meal feel like a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dinners, serve the casserole right out of the baking dish, letting everyone dig in. For a more elegant touch, portion into individual ramekins and garnish with extra cheese and parsley. Adding a small wedge of lemon on the side can provide diners with the option to squeeze a bit of brightness over their serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the casserole even tastier when reheated.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then freeze in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. For leftovers, microwave in servings on medium power, stirring halfway for even warmth and to keep the cheese melty and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini are ideal for holding onto the sauce, other sturdy pastas like rigatoni or fusilli can work beautifully as well.
How spicy is this casserole, and can I adjust the heat?
The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning and sausage choice. You can easily tone down or boost the spice by adjusting those components or by adding a bit of cream cheese to mellow the sauce.
Is this dish suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble everything a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake the next day for a stress-free meal.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Feel free to swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even a plant-based sausage if you prefer, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I do if I don’t have Cajun sausage?
If Cajun sausage isn’t available, any smoked sausage or andouille sausage makes an excellent substitute, keeping that signature smoky and spicy bite.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves bold flavors and comforting casseroles. It’s approachable, packed with texture and spice, and made with ingredients you can find in any grocery store. I promise once you make it, it’ll become a regular go-to for cozy dinners or impressing friends and family. Give it a try—you’re going to adore every creamy, cheesy, spicy forkful!
Print
Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Description
This Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun sausage, and colorful bell peppers baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting family dinner with a Cajun-American twist.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Meat and Poultry
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces Cajun sausage (such as andouille), sliced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set the pasta aside for later.
- Cook chicken and sausage. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Then add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook another 3 minutes to develop flavor.
- Sauté vegetables and season. Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the mixture.
- Create the creamy sauce. Sprinkle the flour over the skillet contents and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add cheeses and combine with pasta. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble casserole and bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then pour the pasta mixture into it, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top for a bubbly, golden crust. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add fresh color and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning depending on your preferred spice tolerance.
- For an extra creamy and rich sauce, stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream when adding milk and broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for quick subsequent meals.
