If you are looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and comfort, you have to try this Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with creamy, garlicky Boursin cheese and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed with al dente pasta and a kick of Cajun spice. This is one of those meals that feels special but comes together simply, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without the fuss. Each bite delivers layers of savory, spicy, and creamy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this recipe are straightforward but essential to capturing the delicious balance of creamy, savory, spicy, and fresh flavors. Each one plays a vital role, from the rich Boursin cheese adding creaminess to the Cajun seasoning which brings that signature spicy warmth.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat that absorbs the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Olive oil helps to crisp the chicken and roast the tomatoes, adding fruitiness and richness.
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided): This blend spices up the chicken and pasta sauce, delivering that irresistible Cajun flavor.
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2-ounce packages): Boursin cheese adds creamy garlic-herb notes that melt perfectly during roasting.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups): Roasting these releases their natural sweetness and juiciness, balancing the spices.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the key ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle sharpness and depth to the dish.
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells): Pasta shapes that hold sauce well to maximize every bite.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste): A little extra heat to elevate the flavor profile and add a mild spicy tang.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
Set your oven to 400°F to get it ready for roasting. While it warms, slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create four even pieces. Coating the chicken in olive oil helps the seasoning stick and ensures the meat stays juicy. Generously rub 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning onto the chicken—this step infuses your chicken with the bold Cajun flair that makes this dish unforgettable. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet, ready for a perfect roast.
Step 2: Combine Boursin and Tomatoes
In a 9 x 13-inch oven-safe casserole dish, add the creamy Garlic Herb Boursin cheese along with the whole cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. This combination will roast beautifully and create a luscious, savory sauce base that clings to your pasta later on.
Step 3: Roast Chicken and Cheese-Tomato Mixture
Place both the chicken baking sheet and the casserole dish with Boursin and tomatoes in the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through perfectly while the tomatoes soften and the cheese melts into a creamy, flavorful sauce. This oven magic takes care of the core flavors, developing that irresistible depth and warmth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the oven works its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, always reserve about one cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid will help marry the sauce and pasta beautifully later on.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the roasting time is up, carefully remove both dishes from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Stir your cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning into the cheesy tomato sauce in the casserole dish. Finish by folding in the diced chicken, ensuring every bite is rich, creamy, and bursting with Cajun flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this dish further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. A light scattering of grated Parmesan can add a lovely salty contrast to the creamy sauce, while an extra drizzle of olive oil will brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices are also fantastic options to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve this pasta family-style straight from the baking dish to showcase those roasted tomatoes and melted cheese. For a more elegant touch, plate the pasta individually and garnish with fresh herbs and a lemon wedge to add brightness. You can even serve this with a side of roasted veggies for a colorful, nutritious plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is fantastic the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if you plan to save it longer. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy consistency. Stir well to evenly distribute the sauce and heat through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Boursin?
While Boursin is key to the creamy garlic-herb flavor of this dish, you can experiment with cream cheese or goat cheese combined with fresh herbs. However, Boursin provides a unique taste and texture that is hard to replicate.
What type of Cajun seasoning works best?
You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme. Adjust the spice level based on your preference, but don’t skip it as it’s essential for that distinct Cajun kick.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a moderate spice level because of the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce, but you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Can I make this with pasta other than penne?
Absolutely! Medium pasta shells, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well because they hold sauce nicely. Just stick to pasta that’s similar in size and shape to ensure even cooking and good texture.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe quickly becomes a favorite because it balances spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors so effortlessly. It’s a perfect combination of simple ingredients transformed into a cozy, satisfying meal that feels like a special occasion anytime. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every flavorful bite!
Print
Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender Cajun-spiced chicken, garlic herb Boursin cheese, and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta for a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
- 3 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)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for tomatoes)
- 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 to prepare for roasting the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Coat them evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. 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, Cheese, and Tomatoes: Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish in the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes are soft.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken and vegetables roast, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Remove from Oven and Prep Chicken: Take out the baking dish with cheese and tomatoes and the baking sheet with chicken from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the casserole dish with the Boursin and roasted tomatoes. Stir well to combine and create a creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir the diced chicken into the pasta mixture and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- You can substitute the penne pasta with other medium pasta shapes like shells or rigatoni.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Reserve pasta water is key to helping create a creamy sauce without adding extra cream.
- Use a sharp knife for slicing the chicken breasts evenly to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
