Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a vibrant dish that brings the flavors of the South right to your kitchen. It combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy Cajun seasonings with perfectly cooked pasta for a delightful meal. The colorful ingredients make it visually appealing, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. You’ll find everyone going back for seconds!

With a rich and creamy texture, this pasta bake offers a wonderful balance of spice and comfort. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your home as it bakes to a golden finish. In this article, you’ll learn how to create this delicious dish from scratch, including a breakdown of the ingredients and helpful tips for success. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: This dish uses wholesome vegetables and lean chicken for a nutritious meal.
2. Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it easy for cooks of all skill levels.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced choice.
4. Versatility: Great for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
5. Presentation: Its creamy, colorful appearance is sure to impress your guests.

This pasta bake is a winner in any kitchen!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 50–55 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 35–40 minutes
  (Note that times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
5. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together.
8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic look.
2. Accompaniments: Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for balance.
3. Portions: This dish is hearty—consider serving in smaller bowls.
4. Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with iced tea or a light white wine for a lovely touch.

Your guests will love how this dish looks and tastes!

Additional Tips

• Add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, for extra flavor.
• Customize the Cajun spice level to match your taste preferences.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
2. Seafood Option: Swap chicken for shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.
3. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for added heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a tightly sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just thaw and cook it thoroughly.

2. Is this dish healthy?
   It is nutritious as it includes protein and vegetables, but moderation is key.

3. Can I make ahead?
   Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and bake before serving.

4. Can I customize the ingredients?
   Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite veggies or proteins.

5. What if I prefer a different cooking method?
   You can also make this dish in a slow cooker—just adjust the time accordingly.

Conclusion

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful, comforting dish that brings flavor and fun to your table. This recipe is not only satisfying; it’s also a fantastic way to impress your family and friends with your cooking skills! Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and enjoy this warm, creamy, and flavorful meal today!

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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

A vibrant dish combining tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy Cajun seasonings with pasta, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta Use your preferred pasta shape.
• 2 pieces chicken breasts, cubed Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning Adjust seasoning based on spice preference.
• 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken.
• 1 small onion, diced Yellow or white onion work well.
• 1 piece red bell pepper, diced Can substitute with another color bell pepper.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is preferred.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened Let it sit at room temperature for easier mixing.
• 1 cup heavy cream For a rich, creamy sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium option recommended.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Use sharp or mild cheddar as preferred.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated will give the best flavor.
• 1 tsp paprika For added flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste Adjust to personal preference.
• Chopped parsley optional, for garnish Adds color and freshness.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Add more veggies for extra flavor, customize spice levels, and pair with garlic bread or a salad.