Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake with Bacon Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake featuring crispy bacon and a decadent, creamy sauce. This dish combines tender chicken breasts seasoned with just the right amount of Cajun spice, perfectly cooked rotini pasta, and a rich blend of heavy cream, sour cream, and evaporated milk for a luxurious texture. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and green onions adds a burst of flavor, while the crispy bacon on top provides a delightful crunch in every bite. Perfect for cozy nights in, this recipe can also be prepared in a crockpot, making it an excellent choice for effortless entertaining or meal prepping. Serve this creamy pasta bake straight from the oven or warm from the crockpot, and enjoy a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cajun seasoning
2-3 teaspoons (mixed with chicken)
Extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons (for coating chicken)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 (roasted and shredded)
Bacon
4 slices (fried crisp and crumbled)
Sweet onion
1/2 large (diced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Rotini pasta
16 ounces (1 box) (cooked al dente)
Green onions
3 (thinly sliced for garnish)
Heavy whipping cream
1 cup (for creamy sauce)
Evaporated milk
12 ounce can (for creamy sauce)
Sour cream
1 cup (added just before serving)
Sun-dried tomatoes
4 tablespoons (chopped)
Garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Parmesan cheese
1/4-1/2 cup (grated, for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, and Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 8-10 minutes, until cooked through. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before shredding or cubing it.
3
Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. If using a crockpot, undercook the pasta slightly.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, fry the bacon until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. Crumble when cool.
5
In the same skillet, use the bacon drippings to sauté the diced sweet onion and minced garlic in butter for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and lightly browned.
6
Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, evaporated milk, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic salt, basil, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, thickening slightly.
7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Cook for an additional couple of minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors without boiling.
8
If using a crockpot, transfer the pasta mixture into the pot and set it to warm now. Mix in the shredded chicken, sour cream, and sliced green onions, heating through.
9
Before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. For the oven-baked option, pour the pasta into a baking dish and top with shredded chicken, sour cream, green onions, and Parmesan, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
10
Top each serving with crispy crumbled bacon and serve immediately. If using the crockpot, stir in additional cream, milk, or sour cream if needed to maintain moisture before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Cajun Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake with Bacon Delight.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of Rotini pasta cooked al dente.
Can this chicken pasta be made in a crockpot?
Yes, this recipe includes instructions for both an oven-baked version and a crockpot version.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the chicken?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for roasting the chicken.
How should the chicken be seasoned before roasting?
Toss the chicken with 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2-3 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
How long does the chicken need to roast?
Roast the chicken for 8-10 minutes until it is cooked through.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before shredding or cubing it.
How should I prepare the bacon?
Fry 4 slices of bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and then crumble them.
What should I do with the bacon drippings?
Use the bacon drippings in the skillet to sauté the sweet onion and minced garlic in butter.
What kind of onion is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a large sweet onion, diced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves.
What ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce consists of heavy whipping cream, evaporated milk, sour cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
How much evaporated milk is required?
One 12-ounce can of evaporated milk is used for the creamy sauce.
When do I add the sun-dried tomatoes?
Add 4 tablespoons of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet when you add the cream and milk.
What dried herbs and spices are used for the sauce flavor?
The sauce is seasoned with garlic salt, dried basil, and black pepper.
When should the sour cream be added?
Sour cream is added just before serving or during the final mixing phase.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the garnish for this pasta bake?
Garnish each serving with thinly sliced green onions and crispy crumbled bacon.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the crockpot?
If using a crockpot, undercook the pasta slightly before adding it to the mixture.
What if the crockpot mixture looks dry before serving?
You can stir in additional cream, milk, or sour cream to maintain the desired moisture.
How long does the final baking step take in the oven?
For the oven-baked option, bake the assembled pasta for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
The recipe specifies chicken breasts, but boneless skinless thighs could be substituted if preferred.
Is the chicken shredded or cubed?
The recipe allows for the roasted chicken to be either shredded or cubed.
What type of butter should I use for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter to sauté the onions and garlic.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 3 green onions, thinly sliced.
Does the pasta absorb the sauce during cooking?
Yes, you should allow the pasta to cook with the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as the ultimate comfort food with a rich and decadent sauce.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
There are 17 different ingredients in this recipe.
Can this dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve immediately after topping with bacon.