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If you are craving a dish that bursts with creamy, zesty flavors and a comforting carb hug, the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe brings together tender Cajun-spiced chicken, luscious garlic herb Boursin cheese, and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and homemade, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing to the bold flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful color palette of this dish. From the aromatic Cajun seasoning to the silky Boursin cheese, every element plays a role in making this meal unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they offer tender, juicy protein that soaks up the Cajun spices perfectly.
- Olive oil: Divided for searing and drizzling, it adds richness and helps develop a golden crust on the chicken.
- Cajun seasoning: Spicy and smoky, it layers the chicken and pasta with that signature Cajun kick.
- Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese: This creamy, flavorful cheese melts into the tomatoes and pasta, creating a decadent sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes: Roasted to sweetness, they balance the spice with juicy bursts of freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: These basics enhance all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds the sauce and bits of tomato beautifully.
- Hot sauce: Added for an extra spice boost, but adjustable to your heat tolerance.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Spice the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four even pieces. This ensures quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Coat the chicken with olive oil and generously rub with most of the Cajun seasoning—this seasoning is the backbone of the dish, giving the chicken its smoky, spicy character.
Step 2: Set Up the Roasting Dish
Place the Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes into an oven-safe casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese. This step lays the foundation for a rich, flavorful sauce that will meld with the pasta later.
Step 3: Roast Chicken, Cheese, and Tomatoes
Arrange the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and place both the chicken and the casserole dish with tomatoes and cheese in the preheated oven. Roast at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes so the chicken cooks through and the tomatoes soften, releasing their juices to mingle with the melting Boursin.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
While roasting happens, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, save a cup of pasta water as it will be key in loosening and blending the sauce with the pasta for a silky finish.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Remove the chicken and casserole dish from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, the remaining Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce to the cheese and tomato mixture. Stir everything together to create a luscious sauce that coats every morsel. Toss the chicken into the pasta, mix once more, and plate it up to enjoy immediately while warm and comforting.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this meal to the next level. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and mild herbal brightness that balances the richness. For an extra kick, a light dusting of smoked paprika or additional Cajun seasoning can bring out that signature smoky flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to add some crunch and variety. Garlic bread or crusty artisan rolls are wonderful for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual small casserole dishes or skillet pans straight from the oven—this keeps it warm longer and makes for a beautiful presentation. You might also try stuffing roasted bell peppers with the pasta mixture for a colorful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit with time, making for a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to refrigerate promptly to keep the ingredients fresh.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to one month. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving on medium power in short bursts also works well; just be sure to stir between intervals for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use another type of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin cheese brings a unique garlic herb creaminess that’s central to this recipe, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with minced garlic and herbs if needed. The flavor will differ slightly but still be delicious.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning and hot sauce do pack some heat, but you can adjust the amount of seasoning and hot sauce to your preference. For milder dishes, use less Cajun spice and omit or reduce the hot sauce.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne is recommended because it holds the sauce well, but other sturdy shapes like medium shells, rigatoni, or farfalle will work wonderfully too.
How do I make Cajun seasoning at home?
Cajun seasoning is a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Making your own lets you customize the spice level – but feel free to use store-bought for convenience.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free alternative. Most gluten-free pasta brands will hold up nicely to the creamy sauce in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the way the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe combines bold flavors with creamy goodness in such a comforting, easy-to-make meal. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends, this recipe brings warmth and excitement to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite classic!
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Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts with garlic herb Boursin cheese, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick balanced by the richness of the cheese, making it an easy and delicious bake that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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 Flavorings
- 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 (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then evenly sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over all sides. Place the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Prepare Cheese and Tomatoes: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, add the Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Gently mix to combine.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes into the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are soft and bursting.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken and tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water; then drain the pasta.
- Rest Chicken and Remove from Oven: Remove the baking dish and chicken sheet from the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board to rest and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: To the baking dish containing the roasted Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes, add the drained pasta along with the reserved pasta water. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Chicken and Serve: Fold the diced chicken into the pasta and sauce mixture. Serve immediately while warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce according to your spice preference.
- If you prefer, substitute penne with medium pasta shells or any other medium-sized pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
- Letting the chicken rest after roasting keeps it juicy.
- If you want extra heat, add additional hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
