Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender, spiced chicken with a creamy cheese sauce, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken that has been seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the softened cream cheese into the skillet until it melts. Then add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Add the drained pasta and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired for extra cheesiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the dish is bubbly and has a golden brown top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh finely chopped parsley before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften in the oven.
- If you prefer, swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier meat.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
