Description
This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Bake is a creamy, flavorful casserole combining penne pasta, smoked sausage, chicken, and a rich Alfredo sauce seasoned with Cajun spices. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
pasta
- 1 (16-oz) package penne pasta
Meats
- 1 (16-oz) package smoked sausage, sliced
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
Sauces and Dairy
- 2 (15-oz) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 (8-oz) container sour cream
- 1 (15-oz) container ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Others
- 1½ Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced smoked sausage until it is lightly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, browned sausage, chopped cooked chicken, Alfredo sauce, sour cream, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and lightly beaten eggs. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Assemble the bake: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute smoked sausage with andouille sausage for a more authentic Cajun flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
