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
Scale
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
