Save to Pinterest A creamy, spicy, and comforting casserole featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken, a medley of roasted vegetables, and a luscious Alfredo sauce, baked until golden and bubbly.
I first made this Cajun Chicken Alfredo Veggie Bake on a chilly evening when we craved something indulgent but also wanted to include extra vegetables for my kids. The combination of creamy sauce and gently spiced chicken won everyone over instantly.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 yellow bell pepper (diced), 1 small zucchini (sliced), 1 small red onion (chopped), 1 cup broccoli florets, 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Pasta: 250 g (9 oz) penne or rigatoni
- Alfredo Sauce: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Topping: 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove, let rest for 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, broccoli, and garlic for 4–5 minutes, until just tender but still vibrant. Remove from heat.
- Make Alfredo Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, sautéed vegetables, and Alfredo sauce. Mix well and transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Save to Pinterest This casserole has become a go-to for cozy weekends with family gathered around the table, where everyone digs in and shares stories over seconds. Even picky eaters seem to enjoy the vibrant colors and creamy sauce!
Required Tools
Large skillet, saucepan, large pot, 9x13-inch baking dish, whisk, mixing bowls, chef’s knife
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten), Eggs (may be present in pasta). Always double-check labels on pasta and cheese for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 650, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 38 g
Save to Pinterest With its creamy Cajun kick and satisfying vegetables, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy leftovers for easy lunch the next day!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, substitute with mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite vegetables for extra variety and flavor.
- → How do I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños to intensify the heat level.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli hold up well to the sauce and baking process.
- → Can I use milk instead of cream for the sauce?
Yes, using milk or half-and-half creates a lighter sauce while still providing creaminess.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Portion leftovers into containers; reheat in the oven or microwave for easy meals all week.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?
Cook chicken until just done before dicing and baking. This keeps it moist through the baking process.