Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole – A Creamy Cajun Delight!

Looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that combines rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and a dash of Cajun spice? Look no further than this Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole. Perfectly balanced with tender chicken, smoky sausage, a creamy sauce, and two kinds of cheese, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit for family dinners, meal prepping, or special gatherings. Best of all, it’s easy to make and loaded with bold, flavorful ingredients that will satisfy every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Cajun kick: Perfectly spiced with Cajun seasoning for a flavor-packed meal.
• Hearty & filling: With chicken, sausage, pasta, and cheese, it’s a complete meal.
• Creamy cheese sauce: Rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy — who can resist?
• Easy one-pan cooking: From stovetop to oven, it’s a simple, fuss-free recipe.
• Perfect for leftovers: This casserole stores well for meal prep or reheating the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Casserole:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 12 oz smoked Cajun sausage, sliced (you can also use andouille sausage for extra spice!)
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (add more or less to adjust heat level)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 10 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (for a subtle heat and extra flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
• Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, and season with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Cook the Cajun Sausage:

• In the same skillet, add the sliced Cajun sausage. Cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside with the cooked chicken.

4. Sauté Vegetables:

• Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

5. Make the Sauce:

• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (don’t drain), letting the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Combine Everything:

• Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet. Stir in mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Bake:

• Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
• Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.

8. Garnish & Serve:

• Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve hot, and enjoy the creamy, flavorful layers of this amazing casserole!

Serving Suggestions:

• This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• For extra heat, drizzle with some hot sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• It also makes for a great meal prep option. Divide into individual portions and store for easy weekday lunches.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until bubbly and hot.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe:

This Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is everything you want in a comforting dish: creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein and cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect balance of Cajun spice, savory sausage, tender chicken, and melting cheese — all baked together in a rich, creamy sauce.