Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
There’s something so comforting about a bubbling casserole that comes out golden and fragrant from the oven, and this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is no exception. It’s everything you crave in a perfect pasta dinner: juicy, seasoned chicken, a hint of heat from Cajun spices, and a creamy, dreamy sauce that wraps every noodle in cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving guests for a cozy gathering, this dish brings a taste of Louisiana to your table in the most satisfying way. Prepare to fall hard for each bite of this mouthwatering bake!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dish are both simple and completely essential, each one adding something special—whether it’s creaminess, bold flavor, or a colorful pop. Gather these pantry and fridge staples, and you’ll be halfway to a truly spectacular Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake.
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or rigatoni): The ultimate base—choose shapes with ridges so the sauce clings to every bite.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): A classic, heart-healthy fat for sautéing chicken and peppers.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces): Lean protein that takes on the flavors of the Cajun seasoning beautifully.
- Cajun Seasoning (1½ tablespoons): The key to that signature spicy, smoky, and savory character—don’t be shy here!
- Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Adds color, sweetness, and a tender bite to balance the spice.
- Green Bell Pepper (1, sliced): A classic Cajun touch for vibrant flavor and a pop of green.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Every good pasta bake needs an aromatic lift.
- Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Makes the sauce lush and luxuriously thick.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): For that irresistible, silky sauce everyone will rave about.
- Chicken Broth (½ cup): Adds savory depth and keeps the dish from getting too heavy.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Melts into strings of cheesy bliss throughout the bake.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): For nutty, salty flavor and that golden top.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Personalize the final seasoning to suit your palate.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herby finish that brightens everything up.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rigatoni just until al dente. This helps the pasta hold its shape beautifully once baked. Don’t forget to drain it well, then set it aside as you move on to the rest of the recipe.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, then sauté them for about 5–6 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Once they’re nicely browned and irresistible, remove them from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those delicious browned bits in the pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Garlic
Add your red and green bell peppers to the same skillet. Sizzle them for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened, soaking up all those Cajun flavors left over from the chicken. Add minced garlic for the last minute, just long enough for it to bloom and release its fragrant aroma.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it starts to melt. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking gently so everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring as they melt into the mix and create that signature luscious texture.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then fold in the al dente pasta until everything is evenly coated in sauce. Check for salt and pepper, adjusting to your tastes. Gently transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is hot, bubbly, and just beginning to turn gloriously golden on top.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish things off by sprinkling plenty of chopped parsley over your completed bake. The burst of green looks gorgeous and offers a clean, herby contrast to the creamy, slightly spicy casserole beneath.
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Garnishes
A generous scattering of chopped fresh parsley really brings out the colors, and if you’d like extra heat, give the top a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love it spicy. A little extra freshly grated Parmesan never hurts, either—let your taste buds lead!
Side Dishes
This indulgent pasta bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness. Warm, crusty bread is also a must for swiping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color, crunch, and a nutritious balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive family meal, serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake straight from the casserole dish, letting everyone help themselves. For special occasions, try spooning portions onto vibrant dinner plates, then garnish individually with parsley and a lemon wedge. Want to impress at a potluck? Transfer to a cast iron skillet or individual ramekins for a rustic flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’ll be thrilled at how well this dish keeps! Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it just as delicious the next day. Just be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked (or even unbaked) pasta. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy, cohesive texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your leftovers into an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through—usually about 20 to 25 minutes. If microwaving, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or water over the top before covering and heating in short intervals, stirring gently halfway through, to keep it creamy.
FAQs
How spicy is the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?
It’s got a pleasant kick from Cajun seasoning but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You control the heat: simply add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes if you want more fire, or use a mild Cajun blend for a gentler experience.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne and rigatoni are classic choices because their ridges hold sauce so well, but you can easily swap in ziti, farfalle, or even rotini depending on what you have on hand. Just aim for shapes that hug the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes! Swap in Neufchâtel cheese for the regular cream cheese to reduce fat, and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. The bake will still turn out creamy and satisfying while being a bit easier on the waistline.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No problem! Make your own by mixing equal parts paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, plus a good pinch of cayenne, salt, and pepper. Adjust the spice level to match your taste buds.
Can I add vegetables or other proteins?
Definitely! Mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes are welcome additions. Shrimp or smoked sausage also work beautifully if you want to mix up the proteins—just make sure everything is cooked before adding to the bake.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for both weeknights and celebrations. It’s deeply comforting, just the right amount of spicy, and a true crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you might find yourself wishing you’d doubled the recipe!
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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and al dente pasta in a Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection and topped with melted cheese, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Cream Sauce:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and sauté in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, cook bell peppers and garlic until softened.
- Make the cream sauce: Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until smooth. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Combine and bake: Return the chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, season, then transfer to a baking dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Neufchâtel can be used instead of cream cheese for a lighter option.
- This dish reheats well and makes delicious leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
