Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender cubed chicken seasoned with spicy Cajun flavors, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that balances spicy, creamy, and cheesy notes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined with the vegetables. Slowly add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet and mix well so everything is evenly coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish and add cheese: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute penne or rotini with any short pasta like fusilli or shells.
- For a spicier dish, increase Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for a lighter version, but the dish will be less creamy.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- If avoiding dairy, cream cheese and heavy cream can be replaced with dairy-free alternatives, but the flavor and texture will differ.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, baked pasta casserole, Cajun recipes, dinner bake
