Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
If your comfort food dreams ever involve creamy, cheesy pasta with a bold kick of flavor, let me introduce you to my beloved Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. This cozy casserole brings together tender baked chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, gooey melted cheddar, and a spark of Cajun spice, all baked to golden deliciousness. It’s the kind of dinner that gets everyone around the table excited, and the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have some) taste even better the next day!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about turning a handful of everyday ingredients into pure magic. Each one brings something special: zip, richness, freshness, or that all-important cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta: Holds on to all that luscious sauce beautifully—choose your favorite shape for more texture.
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed: Tender bites of protein that soak up all the Cajun goodness.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: This is where the signature smoky-spicy flavor comes to life.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps everything silky and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds just the right note of sweetness and savoriness.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Pops of color and a subtle sweet crunch in every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: You can never go wrong with this punchy aromatic—think major flavor boosts!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for that velvety, tangy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its unmatchable richness and body.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Rounds out the sauce with depth and balances out all the dairy.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, stretchy, and a little sharp for a uniquely craveable sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty-nutty kick you’ll taste in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For appealing color and a touch of smoky warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Because every good recipe deserves seasoning tailored just for you!
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of green makes everything pop at serving time.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Cook the Pasta
Let’s get things rolling! Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for that final golden bake. Meanwhile, cook your pasta shape of choice according to the package directions until just shy of al dente—they’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Drain and set aside; resist the temptation to overcook!
Step 2: Brown the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the cubed chicken and scatter the Cajun seasoning over top. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate so it stays juicy.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet (don’t waste those flavorful bits!), add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything is softened and your kitchen starts to smell incredible.
Step 4: Create the Cream Cheese Sauce
Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with the veggies. Stir gently until it’s melted into a lush, smooth base. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to bring everything together into a dreamy, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Melt in Cheeses and Seasonings
Now comes the cheesy magic—add shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, and a little salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and your sauce is gorgeously thick and smooth.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, using a spatula to mix everything so it’s completely coated with the creamy, Cajun-spiced goodness. You want every piece to get its fair share of sauce!
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth it out so the top is even. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top turns bubbly and golden—like molten cheese heaven.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, take the pan out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh finish. Get ready to dig in to the ultimate comfort meal!
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A handful of fresh chopped parsley adds a welcome pop of color, while a light dusting of extra Parmesan right after baking can give you even more flavor. For a little heat, add thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is a complete meal in itself but really shines alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or a warm slice of garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted broccoli or asparagus are great for adding some veggie goodness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, bake the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for charming single servings. Or, scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers before the final bake for a fun, savory twist. Family-style in a big casserole dish always brings on the cozy vibes and encourages seconds!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together and become even more unified, making your lunch or weeknight dinner truly special the second time around.
Freezing
The Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Pack cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place single portions in the microwave until warm, or cover what you want in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F until bubbly—even a splash of cream or broth on top can help revive that creamy texture!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, rigatoni or even fusilli all work wonderfully. Just stick with a sturdy shape that can hold pockets of the creamy sauce.
How can I make the dish less spicy?
If you’d like your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe on the milder side, simply reduce the Cajun seasoning—or pick a low-heat version—and skip any optional spicy garnishes.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! You can use mascarpone or even a bit of ricotta for a softer sauce. The signature tang of cream cheese is hard to match, though, so if possible try to keep it in play.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your Cajun seasoning blend is gluten-free. Easy swaps for a meal everyone can enjoy.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta bake?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in spinach, mushrooms, or even some roasted zucchini for extra nutrients and color alongside the peppers and onions.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is the kind of bold, creamy, soul-warming meal that makes any occasion feel festive. It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation, especially after you taste how all those flavors come together! I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—dig in and enjoy every last bite.
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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a Cajun kick, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 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
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken with Cajun seasoning until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
- Make Sauce: Add cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy.
- Combine: Add chicken and pasta to the skillet, mix well.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Garnish: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, Pasta Bake Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake
