If you’re craving a meal that bursts with bold flavors and comforting creaminess, you’re going to love this Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the spice of Cajun seasoning with the luscious, garlicky richness of Boursin cheese, all tied together with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and tender chicken. It’s like a cozy, flavorful hug on a plate and one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite for weeknights or special dinners alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, yet essential ingredients that come together to create a vibrant symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial part: from the spicy Cajun seasoning adding that irresistible kick, to the luscious creamy Boursin enveloping everything in garlicky goodness, and the juicy cherry tomatoes bringing that fresh pop of sweetness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): Sliced thin for even cooking and tender texture.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Divided to help sear the chicken and roast the tomatoes perfectly.
- Cajun seasoning (4 tablespoons): Divided to coat the chicken and flavor the pasta sauce with a smoky, spicy profile.
- Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese (10.4 ounces): The star ingredient that melts into dreamy, rich sauce full of fresh herbs and garlic.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Roasted to bring out their natural sweetness and soften for an ideal texture contrast.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and depth.
- Penne pasta (1 pound): Holds the sauce beautifully; you can also use medium pasta shells.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra layer of spice—the amount can be adjusted to your taste.
How to Make Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise so you get thinner pieces that cook evenly and stay juicy. Coat the chicken in a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist, then generously rub it with three tablespoons of Cajun seasoning for that signature smoky heat. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet, letting the seasoning do its magic as the oven preps.
Step 2: Assemble the Boursin and Cherry Tomato Mixture
In a large oven-safe casserole dish (about 9 x 13 inches), place the two tubs of Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese alongside the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the tomatoes with the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This combo will roast into an irresistibly creamy, herb-scented sauce with sweet bursts of tomato—a perfect partner to spice-coated chicken.
Step 3: Roast Chicken and Tomato Mixture
Pop both the baking sheet with chicken and the casserole dish with the Boursin and tomatoes into the oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the tomatoes to soften and burst, releasing their juicy flavor into the melting cheese.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your oven is working its magic, bring a large pot of water to boil on the stove and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Before you drain, scoop out a cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid will help bind the sauce and pasta together later, ensuring every bite is luxuriously creamy.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the roasting is done, carefully remove both dishes from the oven. Move the chicken to a cutting board and dice it into bite-sized pieces. To the casserole dish, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, and hot sauce. Stir everything together so the Boursin cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully. Finally, fold in the diced chicken, making sure every forkful is packed with flavor.
How to Serve Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and brightness that cut through the richness. If you want an extra hint of freshness or a touch of heat, salt-crusted lemon wedges or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes also work wonders here.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance those rich, creamy flavors. For something more comforting, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect to sop up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe in rustic cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins for a charming, cozy vibe. For a casual twist, plate it in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or jumbo tomato shells for a fun presentation that doubles as an edible vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover pasta to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an easy option for a next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for best results, freeze it without the pasta. Store the baked chicken, cherry tomatoes, and Boursin cheese mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk if the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out, ensuring every bite tastes just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Garlic Herb Boursin?
While Boursin cheese gives this recipe its unique creamy and herbaceous flavor, you can substitute with a combination of cream cheese and fresh garlic-herb seasoning if needed. Just expect a slight difference in texture and flavor intensity.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning and hot sauce you choose. It’s generally mildly spicy with a warm kick. You can always adjust the amount of seasoning and hot sauce to suit your personal palate, from mild to spicy.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While penne or medium pasta shells are suggested because they hold the sauce well, feel free to swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can make a vegetarian version by skipping the chicken and adding protein-rich vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted eggplant, or even chickpeas. The creamy Boursin and spicy seasoning will still make the dish beautifully flavorful.
What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe casserole dish?
If you don’t have one, you can roast the tomatoes and Boursin cheese mixture on a baking sheet with raised edges or use a glass baking dish, making sure it is safe for oven use. Just keep an eye on the cheese so it doesn’t spread too thin.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels special but comes together so easily, making it a total winner for any occasion. The layers of flavor really make every bite exciting and satisfying – your new go-to pasta is just waiting to be enjoyed!
Print
Baked Cajun Chicken Pasta with Garlic Herb Boursin Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Boursin Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts with garlic herb Boursin cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish delivers a comforting and mildly spicy meal that’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
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)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Seasoning
- 1 pound penne pasta (or medium pasta shells)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (remaining)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready for roasting the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Coat the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then evenly rub 3 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken pieces. Arrange these on a baking sheet.
- 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 and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Toss lightly to combine.
- Roast: 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 are softened.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken and cheese are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later use, then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Remove and Slice: Once roasting is complete, take out the baking dish and baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the chicken from the baking sheet to a cutting board and dice into bite-sized pieces carefully.
- Combine Ingredients: To the casserole dish with the roasted Boursin cheese and tomatoes, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, 1 teaspoon of hot sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Add Chicken and Serve: Fold the diced chicken into the pasta mixture evenly. Serve immediately for a warm, creamy, and spicy Cajun chicken pasta meal.
Notes
- Adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend.
- You can substitute penne pasta with medium pasta shells or your favorite pasta shape.
- Reserve pasta water is used to loosen the dish and help the sauce coat the pasta.
- Make sure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Use an oven-safe casserole dish to mix and warm everything before serving.
