Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, roasted cherry tomatoes, and creamy Garlic Herb Boursin cheese. Combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a touch of hot sauce, it’s a comforting meal that comes together quickly and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Seasoning
- 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 in half lengthwise to create 4 pieces. Coat the chicken evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Place 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 Vegetables – 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 the tomatoes are soft.
- Cook the Pasta – While the chicken and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Remove and Rest – Remove the baking dishes from the oven. Transfer the chicken from the baking sheet to a cutting board and let it rest briefly.
- Combine Everything – In the casserole dish with the baked Boursin and tomatoes, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Serve – Dice the rested chicken and fold it into the pasta mixture. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your heat preference.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
- If you prefer, you can add fresh parsley or basil as a garnish for extra freshness.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and create a creamier texture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked with the cheese and tomatoes.
