Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the penne or rotini according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Then add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
6. Step 6: Mix in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and fully combined.
7. Step 7: Return the cooked chicken to the sauce and combine with the drained pasta; mix everything well.
8. Step 8: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
9. 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

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.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake featuring tender cubed chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, blended into a rich cheese sauce with cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan, combined with al dente pasta, then baked to bubbly perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Dairy & Liquids

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
3. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and toss with Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Sauté Vegetables: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet. In the same pan, sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
5. Make Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese into the vegetables in the skillet, allowing it to melt smoothly. Then add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce.
6. Add Cheeses: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.
7. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well with the sauce. Then add the drained pasta and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
8. Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool slightly before serving hot to enjoy the rich flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute penne or rotini with other pasta types like fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the spice level.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese amounts.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor more than pre-grated options.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, baked pasta casserole, Cajun seasoning chicken, comfort food pasta