Dinner

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

ByHugo Harnd February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Introduction

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Spiced with Cajun seasoning, it delivers a delightful kick that’s sure to please the whole family.

A close-up view of baked pasta in a white dish on a white marbled surface, showing one layer of wavy, lightly browned pasta pieces coated with creamy cheese sauce. Small bits of red tomato and green herbs are scattered on top among the pasta. The cheese is slightly golden and bubbly with a smooth, melted texture, and some black pepper specks are visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz penne or rotini pasta
2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the penne or rotini according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning; cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
Step 6: Mix in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and combine with the drained pasta; mix everything well.
Step 8: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Step 9: Let the dish cool slightly before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños with the bell peppers.
Use smoked gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Swap chicken breasts for thigh meat for juicier results.
Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore creaminess when reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows creamy pasta with spiral-shaped noodles coated in a thick white sauce, layered with browned and seared scallops on top, each scallop golden with cooked edges. Dots of red, likely chopped tomatoes, are scattered between the pasta and scallops, adding color contrast. Small green herb bits are sprinkled across the dish. The food sits in a white plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle works well with this recipe. Just be sure to cook it al dente before baking.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use reduced-fat cream cheese to lighten the sauce. Keep in mind the texture will be less rich but still tasty.

Hugo Harnd