Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and creamy one-dish meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts roasted alongside garlic herb Boursin cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and a touch of hot sauce, this recipe offers a deliciously spicy, creamy, and comforting dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Additional Ingredients
- 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 (204°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 even pieces. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil followed by 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to ensure the meat is well seasoned. Place the chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- 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 of olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper, tossing gently to combine.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Place both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with cheese and tomatoes in the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes have softened.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken and veggies roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water then drain the pasta.
- Remove from Oven and Prepare Chicken: Once roasted, take the casserole dish out of the oven with the melted cheese and roasted tomatoes. Remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the casserole dish with Boursin and tomatoes. Stir well to create a creamy sauce. Mix the diced chicken into the pasta mixture thoroughly and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- If you can’t find Boursin cheese, a soft herbed cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Reserve pasta water is key for loosening the sauce to the right creamy consistency.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
