Cajun Chicken Alfredo Veggie Bake (Print Version)
Creamy Alfredo pasta meets spicy Cajun chicken and vibrant vegetables, all baked to golden, cheesy perfection.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
02 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 small zucchini, sliced
07 - 1 small red onion, chopped
08 - 1 cup broccoli florets
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Pasta
10 - 9 ounces penne or rigatoni
→ Alfredo Sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1.5 cups whole milk
14 - 1 cup heavy cream
15 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
18 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
→ Topping
19 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
20 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
21 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Season chicken breasts all over with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken breasts and sauté for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add oil as needed. Add bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, broccoli, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and bright.
05 - In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour; cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Incorporate grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
06 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, sautéed vegetables, and Alfredo sauce. Stir well to ensure even distribution. Transfer mixture into prepared baking dish.
07 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and additional grated Parmesan evenly over surface.
08 - Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until casserole is golden and bubbling.
09 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Packed with bold Cajun flavor and creamy Alfredo sauce for ultimate comfort
- Includes plenty of fresh vegetables for a balanced family meal
02 -
- The pasta will continue to absorb sauce as it bakes, so make sure it is well coated.
- This bake contains dairy and wheat: check pasta and cheese labels if concerned about allergens.
03 -
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to make slicing easier and prevent burning your mouth.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños for extra heat, or swap in rotini or fusilli pasta for fun texture.