Name: Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Cajun-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 12 ounces smoked Cajun sausage, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped green onions and parsley

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If you’re craving a meal that’s hearty, creamy, and absolutely packed with bold Southern flavors, then this Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is about to become your new weeknight favorite. We’re talking juicy chicken, smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce that wraps everything together for the ultimate comfort food experience. Every bite offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and creamy, making it a true crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers. There’s really nothing quite like a bubbling, golden-topped casserole to bring everyone running to the dinner table!

Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, but every ingredient plays a key role in layering the flavors and textures that make this casserole unforgettable. Each element brings its own color, punch, or creamy richness to the Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole, so don’t skip any of these stars!

Pasta: Rigatoni or penne hold onto the cheesy sauce really well and have a great bite after baking.
Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and sausage, locking in juicy flavor right from the start.
Chicken breasts: Cubed, lean, and protein-rich, chicken turns tender and soaks up all that smoky, spicy seasoning.
Cajun sausage: Smoked sausage brings the classic taste of Louisiana and a cozy, smoky kick.
Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of sweetness and gorgeous color to every forkful.
Green bell pepper: Balances the red pepper with a grassy freshness and more color.
Red onion: Gives the dish a subtle tang and a hint of sweetness as it caramelizes.
Garlic: Three generous cloves make the kitchen smell irresistible and add savory depth.
Cajun seasoning: Packs a punch of Cajun flavor—adjust for your preferred heat level!
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky, deep undertones of the casserole.
Salt & pepper: Bring all the flavors into focus and keep everything balanced.
Butter: Richness for the cheese sauce—don’t skimp!
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken your cheese sauce until it’s perfectly silky.
Whole milk: The base of your cheese sauce, for that creamy texture we all love.
Heavy cream: Adds extra indulgence and ensures the sauce is utterly luxurious.
Cheddar cheese: Melty, flavorful, and downright essential for that classic casserole pull.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives you those glorious cheese strings with every bite.
Parmesan cheese: A golden-baked topping that’s salty, nutty, and deliciously crisp.
Green onions & parsley: Freshness and a bright, herbaceous splash to finish everything off beautifully.

How to Make Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pasta

Get things rolling by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your casserole dish a quick grease to ensure nothing sticks. While the oven’s heating up, cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—remember, it’ll cook a bit more in the oven later! Once the pasta is perfect, drain and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cubed chicken and let it sizzle, stirring occasionally, until each piece is lightly browned and cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside; you’ll add it back to the party soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Cajun Sausage and Veggies

In the same pan, toss in the sliced Cajun sausage and let it brown for about 3 to 4 minutes. Once it’s picking up color, add in your diced red and green bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant. Sprinkle in your Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—give it a good stir so every ingredient is coated in that beautiful blend of spices.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, letting it cook for a minute to get rid of any raw flavor. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes). Now, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until they melt into a dreamy, smooth sauce that coats your spoon.

Step 5: Mix and Bake

Time to bring the Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole together! In a large mixing bowl, combine your drained pasta, cooked chicken, sausage and veggie mixture, and all of that glorious cheese sauce. Mix well so every bite will be loaded with flavor. Pour everything into your prepared casserole dish, sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the whole thing is bubbling and lightly golden on top.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Patience is key here! After baking, let your Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole rest for 5 minutes. This helps everything set up nicely. Just before serving, shower the top with chopped green onions and fresh parsley for a pop of color and zip of freshness.

How to Serve Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole

Garnishes

Scatter a handful of chopped green onions and fresh parsley over your casserole for brightness and a little crunch in every forkful. A pinch of extra Cajun seasoning or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a little more heat if you and your guests love a spicy kick. And don’t be shy—grating a touch more Parmesan on top just before serving is always a good idea.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a full meal on its own, but a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is wonderful for balancing the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce on your plate. For something lighter, consider steamed broccoli or green beans—they pair deliciously with all the Cajun flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special occasion, bake and serve your Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Or get playful by spooning it into hollowed sourdough bread bowls—guaranteed to impress anyone at your table and make weeknight dinner feel extra special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each reheated bite just as satisfying as the first meal. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before storing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Once baked, let it cool completely, then cut into portions or keep whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For reheating, you can pop portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or re-warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (covered with foil) until hot and bubbly. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of milk or cream before reheating to bring back its irresistible creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed (adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge).

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes! While penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding the sauce, you can use any sturdy, short pasta like ziti or rotini. Avoid delicate pastas that might break down with baking.

Is there a way to make this casserole less spicy?

Of course. Use a mild Cajun sausage, decrease the amount of Cajun seasoning, and skip the optional cayenne. You’ll still get plenty of flavor without the heat.

Can Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend in the cheese sauce. Check that your sausage and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free as well.

What proteins can I substitute for chicken or sausage?

You can use shrimp for a seafood twist, or make the casserole vegetarian by omitting the meats and adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or extra peppers instead. It’s super flexible!

Final Thoughts

If your family loves big, bold flavors and creamy, cheesy comfort food, you need to give Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole a spot on your dinner rotation. Every forkful is a celebration of Southern flair and stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Try it out soon—I have a feeling it’ll become a much-requested favorite in your home, too!

Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Loaded Chicken and Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, spicy Cajun sausage, colorful bell peppers, and creamy cheeses, all baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Protein:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
12 ounces smoked Cajun sausage, sliced

Veggies:

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped green onions and parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the cubed chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Cook Sausage and Veggies: In the same skillet, cook the sliced sausage until lightly browned. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic; sauté until tender. Stir in seasonings.
Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted.
Combine and Bake: Mix cooked pasta, chicken, sausage mixture, and cheese sauce in a bowl. Pour into baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake until bubbly.
Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest, then garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.