If you love bold, creamy flavors paired with a bit of spicy Cajun flair, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It blends tender, juicy chicken with luscious Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and burstingly sweet cherry tomatoes, all baked together to perfection before mingling with al dente pasta and a splash of hot sauce. This dish is a delightful balance of richness, spice, and freshness that will have everyone asking for seconds at your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this recipe straightforward means every ingredient plays an important role in delivering layers of taste, texture, and color. From the creamy Boursin cheese that melts into velvety sauce, to the Cajun seasoning that adds a smoky kick, each element makes this dish outstanding.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the hearty protein base, sliced for quick and even cooking.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used for coating chicken and roasting tomatoes, adding richness and helping flavors meld.
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided): The star spice blend that infuses bold, smoky heat into both the chicken and pasta sauce.
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese: Two 5.2-ounce packages bring a creamy, garlicky, and herbaceous depth to this dish.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 20-24 ounces or 4 cups): Roasted until bursting, these add natural sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells): The perfect pasta shapes to scoop up that creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste): Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the creaminess and brighten the dish.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Chicken
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four even pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and stay juicy. Toss the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of the Cajun seasoning for that signature smoky spice. Lay them out on a baking sheet, ready for roasting.
Step 2: Prepare the Boursin and Tomatoes
Grab a large 9 by 13-inch oven-safe casserole dish and add in the Garlic Herb Boursin cheese along with the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. This combo will melt and mingle in the oven, creating a luscious base for your pasta sauce.
Step 3: Roast Chicken, Cheese, and Tomatoes
Place both the baking sheet with your seasoned chicken and the casserole dish with Boursin and tomatoes into the oven. Roast everything for about 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes have softened spectacularly, releasing their juices.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your proteins and veggies are roasting, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water — this starchy water will help create a silky sauce when combined with the Boursin and tomatoes.
Step 5: Combine Everything for the Final Mix
Once roasted, take the baking dish out of the oven and remove the chicken from the sheet to a cutting board. Add the drained pasta to the casserole dish with the Boursin and tomatoes, then pour in the reserved pasta water, a teaspoon of hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir until everything is beautifully combined. Dice the chicken and gently fold it into the pasta mixture. Your Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to serve!
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of green freshness that contrasts the creamy sauce. A handful of grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten and balance the richness of the Boursin cheese.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a complete meal but pairing it with light sides can round out your plate perfectly. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli work wonderfully. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving the pasta in individual oven-safe ramekins just pulled from the oven, allowing guests to enjoy their own personal cheesy, spicy bake. Alternatively, arrange the chicken slices artfully on top of the pasta before serving or offer hot sauce and fresh herbs on the side so everyone can adjust to their preferred spice and flavor level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days, making it a perfect recipe for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the tomatoes may become a bit watery upon thawing due to their high moisture content. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm portions gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stirring every minute or so ensures even heating and maintains that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin’s unique garlic herb flavor really defines this recipe, you could substitute with a cream cheese blended with minced garlic and herbs. However, the flavor and texture will be a bit different – Boursin melts beautifully and adds an aromatic richness that’s hard to replicate.
What kind of Cajun seasoning works best?
You can use any store-bought Cajun seasoning mix, but homemade blends with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme tend to provide a fresher, more nuanced heat. Adjust the spice level to your liking for a milder or bolder dish.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat is moderate and customizable. The 4 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning and teaspoon of hot sauce bring a pleasant kick, but you can easily reduce or increase the hot sauce to match your tolerance for spice.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The flavors and method remain the same, and you’ll still get that creamy, cozy satisfaction.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a veggie-forward version, omit the chicken and add hearty roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. The Boursin and Cajun seasoning will still deliver plenty of flavor, creating a delicious vegetarian pasta bake.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and indulgent about the creamy, spicy, and cheesy harmony in this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring bold flavors to your weeknight table without fuss or complicated steps. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes one of your go-to meals, perfect for sharing with family and friends who appreciate a little kick and a lot of comfort.
Print
Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender cajun-spiced chicken, roasted cherry tomatoes, and rich garlic herb Boursin cheese. Baked to perfection and mixed with penne pasta, this meal is quick, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons cajun seasoning (divided)
Cheese and Vegetables
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20–24 ounces or 4 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Additional Flavor
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 pieces. Coat each piece in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then rub with 3 tablespoons of cajun seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet.
- Prepare Cheese and Tomatoes: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, add the Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes and cheese with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Roast in Oven: Place the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with tomatoes and cheese into the oven. Roast both for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tomatoes are tender.
- Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Remove and Prepare Chicken: After roasting, take the chicken out of the oven and transfer it from the baking sheet to a cutting board. Remove the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes as well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning to the casserole dish with Boursin and roasted tomatoes. Stir thoroughly to combine and create a creamy sauce.
- Add Chicken: Dice the roasted chicken and mix it into the pasta and sauce. Serve immediately for a warm, delicious meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- If you don’t have penne, medium pasta shells or any similar pasta will work well.
- Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; homemade allows for control over salt and spice levels.
- Reserve pasta water is crucial for creating a creamy sauce consistency without adding extra cream or cheese.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated for a day or two.
