Name: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 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)

Jump to Recipe

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food with a bold twist. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in one pan for an easy, delicious dinner that’s full of flavor. The creamy, tangy sauce is spiced up with Cajun seasoning, giving this dish an irresistible kick that pairs perfectly with the richness of the cream cheese and heavy cream. The final touch of melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese makes this bake a cheesy, decadent delight.

Not only does this dish have amazing flavor, but it’s also an easy one-pan recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a fan of spicy dishes or just love a creamy, cheesy pasta bake, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to comfort foods.

Let the warm, aromatic blend of Cajun spices and creamy sauce fill your kitchen and your heart. Serve this with a side salad and garlic bread for the perfect meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold, Flavorful Dish

The Cajun seasoning and paprika add a spicy kick, perfectly balanced by the cream cheese and heavy cream for a rich, indulgent dish.

2. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and one pan, this dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

3. Cheesy Comfort Food

Melted cheddar and Parmesan create a deliciously creamy and cheesy topping that brings the whole dish together.

4. Great for Meal Prep

Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two!

5. Customizable

Add vegetables or switch up the pasta shape to make this dish your own. You can also adjust the level of spice to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

Penne or rotini pasta

Chicken breasts, cubed
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil

Onion, diced
Red bell pepper, diced
Garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce

Cream cheese, softened
Heavy cream
Chicken broth

Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika
Salt and pepper

For Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

Variations

Add More Veggies

Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a boost of flavor and nutrition.

Make It Spicy

Increase the Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat!

Use Different Cheese

While cheddar and Parmesan work wonderfully, you can also experiment with mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Swap the Pasta

Try other pasta shapes like fusilli or shells to give this dish a fun twist.

Add Shrimp or Sausage

For a different protein, you can add shrimp or sliced sausage to the bake. Both complement the Cajun flavors perfectly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the penne or rotini pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, along with the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Bake the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta when boiling, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Use full-fat cream cheese: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cream cheese.

Adjust the spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or paprika, or omit the spices entirely for a milder version.
Make ahead: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just bake when ready to serve.
Double the recipe: This recipe is easy to scale up if you’re feeding a larger crowd.

How to Serve

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. A slice of garlic bread would be a perfect side to soak up the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pasta bake to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish before or after baking. For freezing before baking, cover the assembled dish with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze after baking, let it cool and then wrap in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the oven will maintain the crispy top.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute penne or rotini with any pasta shape you prefer.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

Yes, the Cajun seasoning adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust the level of spice by using less seasoning or opting for a milder version.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or a reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor will be different.

5. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to fully thaw and cook them before adding them to the dish.

6. Can I make this recipe without cheese?

The cheese adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor, but you could try substituting it with a dairy-free option if necessary.

7. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

8. Can I freeze the pasta bake?

Yes, you can freeze this dish either before or after baking. Just make sure it’s properly wrapped and sealed.

9. What kind of cheese can I use?

Cheddar and Parmesan are the best choices, but you can also try mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different twist.

10. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.

Conclusion

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness that’s sure to please the whole family. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a meal that’s both flavorful and filling. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this pasta bake will not disappoint. Enjoy the comforting combination of Cajun spices, tender chicken, and creamy cheese for a meal everyone will love.