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If you’re craving a dish that brings together creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors all in one irresistible plate, the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with luscious Garlic Herb Boursin cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all mingling together in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s a meal that’s comforting and gourmet at the same time, sure to become a favorite for weeknights and special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in making this dish unforgettable. From the zesty Cajun seasoning that adds a spicy kick to the silky Garlic Herb Boursin cheese providing a smooth creaminess, these essentials are simple but pack amazing flavor and texture.
- Chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and ease when slicing later.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Helps to coat the chicken and tomatoes for roasting and adds a lovely richness.
- Cajun seasoning (4 tablespoons, divided): Key to the bold, smoky flavor that gives this dish its delightful spice profile.
- Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (10.4 ounces): Two packages create the luscious, creamy base sauce bursting with garlic and herb notes.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Roasted to perfection, releasing juicy sweetness that balances the heat.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle bite and rounds out the spice.
- Penne pasta (1 pound): Or medium pasta shells, perfect for holding onto the sauce and bits of tomato.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Optional, but it layers in extra heat — adjust to your spice preference.
How to Make Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, slice your chicken breasts lengthwise so you end up with four thinner pieces. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning to get that bold flavor coating every bite. Spread them out on a baking sheet, ready for roasting.
Step 2: Prepare the Boursin and Tomato Mixture
Grab a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish and add the Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese along with your cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness and balance the creamy richness.
Step 3: Roast Chicken and Tomatoes
Place both the chicken on its baking sheet and the casserole dish with Boursin and tomatoes into the oven. Let them roast for 20 to 25 minutes. The chicken will cook through to juicy perfection while the tomatoes soften and meld with the cheesy sauce.
Step 4: Cook Your Pasta
While everything’s roasting, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside — this will help create a silky sauce later.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
When your timer goes off, take out both dishes. Move the chicken over to a cutting board to rest and dice it up. Back in the casserole dish, add in your drained pasta along with the reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir gently to combine all the layers of flavor before folding in the diced chicken. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a bright, fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, spicy sauce. For an extra hit of flavor, a light dusting of grated Parmesan can’t be beaten.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add a bit of crunch and freshness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual oven-safe bowls and bake the assembled dishes briefly until bubbly. Or, try layering ingredients in a casserole, topping with a little shredded mozzarella, and broiling for a golden finish before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta slightly on the al dente side when making it fresh to avoid mushiness after reheating.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well, too. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave covered in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or medium shells hold the sauce wonderfully, feel free to experiment with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle — just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is the Boursin cheese essential or can I substitute it?
Boursin cheese brings a unique creamy, herby flavor that’s central to this recipe. You can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic and herbs, but it won’t have quite the same depth and texture.
How spicy is the Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The dish has a medium level of heat from the Cajun seasoning and optional hot sauce, but you can easily adjust it to your preference by adding more or less seasoning and hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Since Garlic Herb Boursin is a key creamy component, dairy-free substitutions are challenging. However, experimenting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and fresh herbs could work if you follow your preferred dairy-free products.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this pasta to keep it juicy?
Baking the chicken at 400°F and slicing it thin helps it to cook quickly and stay juicy. Coating with olive oil and Cajun seasoning locks in moisture and flavor, creating tender pieces that blend beautifully throughout the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy night, yet it’s elegant enough for guests. The marriage of spicy chicken, creamy cheese, and roasted tomatoes makes it truly special. I highly recommend giving this recipe a go – it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your culinary rotation!
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Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender, spicy cajun-seasoned chicken breasts with creamy garlic herb Boursin cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. The dish offers a flavorful, comforting meal with a subtle kick of heat from the hot sauce, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20–24 ounces or 4 cups)
Dairy and Seasoning
- 10.4 ounces Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (two 5.2 ounce packages)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to get it ready for roasting the chicken and vegetables.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 pieces total. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet for roasting.
- Prepare Cheese & 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 to enhance the flavors.
- Roast: 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 are softened.
- Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and set aside for later use.
- Remove from Oven & Transfer: Take out the baking dish and chicken from the oven. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board to dice for the final step.
- Combine & Serve: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the casserole dish with the Boursin cheese and roasted tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a creamy sauce. Dice the chicken and fold it into the pasta mixture. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh cherry tomatoes enhances the sweetness and freshness in this dish.
- Make sure to reserve pasta water to help create a creamy sauce when mixing with Boursin cheese.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the Cajun seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
