There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven, especially when it’s loaded with bold flavors like creamy chicken, spicy Cajun sausage, gooey cheese, and tender pasta. Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is the answer to busy weeknights and larger gatherings alike—packed with flavor, easy to whip up, and completely satisfying. The first time I made this dish, my kitchen smelled so incredible that my kids came wandering in long before the timer went off. Did you know casseroles originated as a way to bring family together over a single dish? This recipe does just that—bringing everyone to the table with its promise of rich, hearty goodness. If you’ve enjoyed my ever-popular Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake, you’ll love the spicy, creamy twist this recipe delivers. Dive in and discover why Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole might just become your new family favorite!
What is Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole?
With a name like Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole, you know you’re in for a flavor-packed meal! But what exactly does “loaded” mean? Does it come with extra toppings, or perhaps just an extra helping of love? Honestly, it’s a bit of both! Between the juicy chunks of chicken, slices of spicy Cajun sausage, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, every forkful is a party for your taste buds. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this casserole proves that goes for just about everyone. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to try something different this week, this recipe is your perfect invitation—let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
The hero of this dish is its irresistible combination of smoky sausage and tender chicken, all enveloped in a creamy, well-seasoned sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Not only does making it at home save you the cost of takeout or restaurant casseroles, but you get to customize it with your favorite ingredients for even more flavor. The beauty is in the details—shredded cheddar and mozzarella melt together, while diced tomatoes and chilies add pops of color and a little kick. Compared to a classic Chicken Alfredo Bake, this casserole turns things up with Cajun spices and sausage for a memorable dinner everyone will love. Ready to impress your family and friends? Gather your ingredients and let’s make this crowd-pleaser tonight!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole is a weeknight winner thanks to its easy prep, quick cooking time, and mouthwatering results. The one-dish casserole features a creamy sauce, savory chicken, and smoky sausage, all brought together with melty cheese for a rich texture that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. With a total prep and cook time of around 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table before you know it—and plenty of happy faces at dinnertime.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
12 oz smoked Cajun sausage, sliced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta just shy of al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sausage slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside with chicken.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss to combine everything evenly and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling. For a golden cheese crust, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.
What to Serve Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole With
Pair this hearty casserole with a bright, crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to lighten things up and balance the rich flavors. Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes the perfect vehicle for scooping up every last bite of creamy sauce. For drinks, try an iced tea or a sparkling lemonade to keep things refreshing. If you want an extra veggie boost, roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans make a colorful, tasty addition.
Top Tips for Perfecting
For the creamiest sauce, shred your mozzarella and cheddar cheese fresh from the block—bagged shreds don’t melt as smoothly. Want to turn up the heat? Add a dash of cayenne or some sliced jalapeños with the bell pepper. If you don’t have Cajun sausage, try andouille or even smoked kielbasa. Running short on penne? Most short-cut pastas like rotini or rigatoni will work just as well. Remember to undercook your pasta by a minute or two so it doesn’t get mushy during baking. And don’t skip resting the casserole for a few minutes before serving—this helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to slice.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Let leftovers cool to room temperature before moving them to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as normal—just add a splash of cream or broth if the casserole needs to regain its creaminess.
FAQs
Can I make Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely. While mozzarella and cheddar achieve that perfect melt and flavor, you can swap in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Gruyere for a twist.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply use a mild sausage and cut down on the Cajun seasoning. You can also replace the diced tomatoes with regular tomatoes if you want less heat.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sausage and seasoning are gluten-free too.
How do I add more veggies to this dish?
Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini when you sauté the onion and bell pepper—they blend right in and add extra nutrition!
Conclusion
Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole truly brings together all the best comfort food qualities—creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. With simple, budget-friendly ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this is a weeknight dinner you’ll return to again and again. Whether you’re gathering around the table with family or making a meal to share with friends, this casserole guarantees smiles all around. Go ahead and give it a try, and don’t forget to check out some of our other flavor-packed casserole recipes for even more tasty inspiration!
Loaded Chicken & Cajun Sausage Pasta Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Casserole Dish
- Pot
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Diced
- 12 oz Smoked Cajun Sausage, Sliced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, Chopped
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper, Chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
- 10 oz Penne Pasta
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1.5 cups Heavy Cream
- 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz)
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- to taste Salt and Pepper
- for garnish Fresh Parsley, Chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole or baking dish.
- Cook the penne pasta just shy of al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add sausage slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove sausage and set aside with chicken.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sausage back into the skillet. Toss to combine everything evenly and taste for seasoning, adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish. Top generously with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling. For a golden cheese crust, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.