If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors, creamy texture, and a bit of Cajun spice, you have to dive into the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. This wonderful recipe combines tender chicken seasoned just right with Cajun spices, luscious Garlic Herb Boursin cheese, and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The result is a cozy, comforting meal that’s elegantly simple yet packed with personality — perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or fridge. Each component plays a crucial role — from the spicy Cajun seasoning that wakes up your taste buds to the creamy Boursin that adds a silky richness, and the fresh cherry tomatoes that bring a juicy burst of brightness.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump cuts for tender, juicy chicken that soaks up all the spices.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): This helps with roasting and adds a lovely smoothness and depth to the flavors.
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided): The star spice blend that brings warmth and a little kick to this dish. Feel free to adjust your preferred level of heat.
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages): This creamy, flavorful cheese is the secret to that luxurious sauce.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20-24 ounces or 4 cups): Roasted until bursting, they add a sweet, tangy contrast.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances the natural flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells): Choose your favorite pasta shape to soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference): Amplifies the Cajun character and layers of heat to the dish.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting both the chicken and the tomatoes with Boursin cheese, allowing everything to cook evenly and develop those irresistible roasted flavors.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. This helps them cook through quickly and absorb the seasoning better. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning evenly. Make sure each piece is well coated so every bite has that spicy, smoky kick. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet, ready for roasting.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese and Tomatoes
Grab a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish and add the Boursin cheese along with the fresh cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. This combination will melt and mingle together as it roasts, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that’s simply divine.
Step 4: Roast Everything
Place the baking sheet with chicken, and the casserole dish filled with Boursin and tomatoes, into your preheated oven. Roast both for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and the tomatoes to soften and burst, releasing their sweetness to blend with the creamy cheese.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the oven works its magic, bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove. Cook the pasta following the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water — this starchy water will help marry the sauce and pasta perfectly in the next step.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Once the chicken and cheese-tomato mixture are out of the oven, transfer the chicken to a cutting board to dice into bite-sized pieces. To the casserole dish, add the cooked pasta, the reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir everything together until the creamy sauce evenly coats the pasta and tomatoes. Finally, fold in the diced chicken, allowing those spicy flavors to meld beautifully with every forkful.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your plate, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top. A little extra cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds freshness and a subtle peppery note. If you love a dash of heat, sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes for an eye-catching pop.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad featuring a tangy vinaigrette that cuts through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty baguette slices are classic companions, perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a striking presentation, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant roasted tomatoes against the creamy sauce and Cajun-spiced chicken. Adding a small wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a burst of brightness right before taking a bite, enhancing the flavors even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the texture enjoyable.
Freezing
This pasta is freezer-friendly! Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the dish’s creaminess and avoid any texture changes.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too — cover loosely and heat in short bursts to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Boursin?
Absolutely! While Boursin lends that unique garlic and herb creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with fresh herbs and garlic powder. However, the flavor might be milder, so consider boosting your seasoning accordingly.
What makes this recipe “Cajun”? Can I adjust the spice level?
The Cajun label primarily comes from the Cajun seasoning blend, which typically includes spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic, and oregano. You can easily adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, making this dish as mild or fiery as you like.
Is this recipe gluten-free if I swap the pasta?
Yes! Swap the penne for gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to cook the gluten-free pasta according to its package instructions for the best texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can season the chicken and prepare the cheese and tomato mixture up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Simply roast everything fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best results.
What type of pasta works best in the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Penne is ideal because its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. Medium pasta shells or rigatoni also work beautifully, capturing that luscious sauce in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s likely to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. With its harmonious mix of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet simple. I encourage you to give it a go — your taste buds will thank you, and your dinner table will light up with joy!
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts baked alongside creamy garlic herb Boursin cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a hint of hot sauce, this one-pan recipe delivers a deliciously creamy and spicy pasta dinner that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
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 Other
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F to prepare for roasting the chicken and the cheese with tomatoes.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage. Arrange the chicken pieces 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 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 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tomatoes start to soften.
- Cook Pasta: While baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the baking dishes from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the casserole dish with the Boursin and tomatoes. Stir well to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve: Dice the roasted chicken and mix it into the pasta. Serve immediately while warm, enjoying a creamy, spicy, and flavorful pasta dish.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Using penne or medium pasta shells works best because the sauce clings well to these shapes.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and achieve desired creaminess.
- If you don’t have Garlic Herb Boursin cheese, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs.
- Make sure chicken is cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
