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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

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

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until smooth.
  4. Season it up: Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat.
  6. 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.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. 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!