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
Scale
- 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!