Spicy & Creamy Cajun Pasta Bake

Submitted by Emily Jane

"If you like it HOT and flavorful, this one is for you! Served with garlic bread it's to die for. I made this one up a couple nights ago and it turned out amazingly well. Use 1/2 a chiptole pepper if you'd rather your pasta not be so spicy (but it'll still have a kick)."

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 14
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 4 tablespoons cajun dry rub seasonings or 1 cup cajun marinade
• 1⁄2 lb penne pasta (or other)
• 1 cup diced sweet red pepper
• 1 cup thinly sliced spring onion
• 1 cup diced mushroom
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 chipotle chile in adobo
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and quartered
• 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• salt & pepper
• parmesan cheese

directions

1. Add rub or marinade to chicken and set in refrigerator for at least an hour (or you can buy an already-cajun-marinated chicken breast).
2. In the blender, combine whipping cream, can of tomatoes, garlic, chipotle pepper (pouring in a little of the adobo sauce for an extra flavor boost, if desired), and salt & pepper to taste. Blend well and set aside.
3. Sautee marinated/rubbed chicken in olive oil until almost done and then add red pepper, onion and mushroom, sauteeing until vegetables are tender.
4. Turn heat down to medium-low and pour cream sauce over chicken & veggies.Simmer for 30-45 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta only about half-way through; when sauce is done simmering and has thickened a bit, add the pasta and coat thoroughly.
7. Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with parmesean cheese; bake covered with foil for 20 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10-12 minutes. (this is also a good time to add the garlic bread to the oven, if preparing).
8. Remove from oven and let sit for a couple of minutes - and then ENJOY!