Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, combined with penne pasta and a rich cheese sauce, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that serves the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the pasta casserole later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the penne or rotini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning evenly over it. Cook until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Sauté vegetables: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet. In the same pan, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Then add the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously until a smooth sauce forms.
- Add cheeses: Mix shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan into the sauce until it becomes creamy and well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Stir everything together to fully coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy Cajun cheese sauce.
- Bake the pasta: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Allow the pasta bake to cool slightly before serving hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning to 1.5 tablespoons.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- The cream cheese should be softened for easier melting and smooth sauce consistency.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions on top before serving adds color and freshness.
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, baked pasta casserole, chicken dinner recipe, cheesy pasta bake