Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish packed with bold Cajun flavors. This easy-to-make baked pasta combines tender chicken, a rich cream cheese sauce, and the perfect kick of seasoning, making it an excellent choice for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and Spicy – Cajun seasoning gives this dish a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
- Creamy and Cheesy – Cream cheese and melted cheese create a luscious sauce.
- Hearty and Satisfying – Loaded with chicken and pasta for a filling meal.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time make this dish effortless.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Reheats well for a great next-day meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred shape)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Cajun seasoning
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the pasta – Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the cream cheese with heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Season and add chicken – Mix in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked chicken and stir to coat.
- Combine with pasta – Add the drained pasta to the skillet and mix well with the sauce.
- Assemble and bake – Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake – Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and garnish – Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk alternatives.
- Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning for additional heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Seafood Option: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a Cajun seafood twist.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Cajun seasoning?
Yes! Store-bought Cajun seasoning works perfectly, or you can make your own blend.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce well and work great in this recipe.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
Yes, reduce the Cajun seasoning and add more cream cheese for a milder flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer for a few minutes, or add a little more cream cheese.
What other cheeses can I use?
Pepper Jack, Gouda, or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
What sides go well with Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
Can I add bacon?
Yes! Crispy bacon bits add a delicious smoky crunch.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber.
Conclusion
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy and spicy meal that’s easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a dish to impress, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit. Try it out, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal!
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a rich and flavorful dish with tender chicken, a creamy spiced sauce, and melty cheese. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with a cheesy, comforting pasta bake.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on seasoning mix)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until smooth.
- Season it up: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on spice preference—add more for extra heat!
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Add sliced andouille sausage for an extra Cajun kick!
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