If you are on the lookout for a flavorful, comforting meal that brings together creamy, spicy, and fresh elements in one dish, the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe combines tender, Cajun-seasoned chicken with luscious Garlic Herb Boursin cheese, juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. The magic of roasting the cheese and tomatoes together creates a rich sauce that clings beautifully to every bite, making it an irresistible dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you up for a fantastic meal. Each item adds its own layer of flavor, texture, or color, working harmoniously to make this pasta dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Provides lean, tender protein and takes on the bold Cajun spices wonderfully.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps to coat the chicken and tomatoes, promoting even cooking and adding richness.
- Cajun seasoning (4 tablespoons): Brings a spicy, smoky kick that wakes up the palate and defines the dish.
- Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (10.4 ounces): Adds a creamy, flavorful base with hints of garlic and herbs, creating the luscious sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Roasted until bursting, these deliver fresh sweetness that beautifully balances the spices and cheese.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Season and enhance all the elements, ensuring every bite is well-rounded.
- Penne pasta (1 pound): A medium-sized pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Optional, but fantastic for adding a touch more heat tailored to your taste.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for roasting. Next, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thin pieces; this helps them cook evenly and faster. Coat each piece with a tablespoon of olive oil and generously rub in three tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Place these seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet, ready for the oven.
Step 2: Assemble the Cheese and Tomato Mixture
Take a 9 inch by 13 inch oven-safe casserole dish and add the full amount of Garlic Herb Boursin cheese alongside the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This step allows the tomatoes to caramelize and the cheese to melt into a dreamy sauce while baking.
Step 3: Roast Chicken and Cheese-Tomato Mixture
Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish into the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are softened and bursting. The aromas at this stage will have you excited for every bite.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the oven is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water helps bring the sauce and pasta together perfectly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Once out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta, the reserved pasta water, the teaspoon of hot sauce, and the last tablespoon of Cajun seasoning directly into the casserole dish with the baked Boursin and tomatoes. Stir everything gently to create a creamy, spicy sauce coating the pasta beautifully. Finally, fold in the diced chicken and get ready to enjoy this soul-satisfying dish.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a moment of herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, shaved Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika on top can elevate the flavors further.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Warm, crusty garlic bread also pairs beautifully, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens and a few extra roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. You can even spoon the pasta into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun, creative twist that wow guests visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more, making it a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This pasta dish can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture might change slightly because of the creamy cheese sauce. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within two months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwaving in short intervals works great—just stir between each interval to heat evenly and keep the pasta creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin provides a unique creamy and herbaceous flavor, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs. However, the original Boursin cheese really shines and is recommended for the authentic taste.
Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or hot sauce according to your heat preference. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños before baking also works well.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or medium pasta shells hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle can be great alternatives if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this dish without baking?
You can cook the chicken in a skillet and then mix all ingredients on the stovetop, but baking helps develop deeper flavors especially with the cherry tomatoes and Boursin cheese melting into a luscious sauce.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like roasted mushrooms or zucchini, and follow the same steps. The creamy Boursin sauce and roasted tomatoes keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is a delightful way to bring warmth, spice, and creamy comfort to your dinner table. It feels indulgent without being intimidating and comes together within a reasonable time frame. Trust me, once you try it, this will quickly become one of your favorite weeknight meals to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a pasta dish that feels just like a warm hug in every bite!
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Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful baked pasta dish combining Cajun-seasoned chicken with rich Garlic Herb Boursin cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This one-dish meal is easy to prepare, savory, and has a delightful hint of spice, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Baked Cheese and Tomatoes
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20–24 ounces or 4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to make four thinner pieces. Coat the chicken pieces in 1 tablespoon olive oil, then rub evenly with 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet.
- Assemble the Cheese and Tomatoes: In a 9 inch x 13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, add the Boursin cheese and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Roast Chicken and Cheese Mixture: Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes into the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tomatoes are tender.
- Cook the Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Remove from Oven and Prep: Take out the casserole dish and chicken from the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board for dicing.
- Combine and Serve: To the casserole dish with baked Boursin and tomatoes, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together to create a creamy, spicy sauce. Dice the chicken and fold it into the pasta mixture. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to make the dish more or less spicy.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano.
- Use medium pasta shells as an alternative to penne for a slightly different texture.
- Reserve pasta water enhances the sauce texture and helps to bind the ingredients.
- This dish can be garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for added flavor.
