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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 5 reviews

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and creamy one-dish meal combining tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, a rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a comforting and hearty dinner option that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, which will build the flavor base for the sauce.
  5. Melt Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continually until it melts completely and combines smoothly with the vegetables.
  6. Make Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook while stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and all cheeses melt completely.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Stir everything together ensuring pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the pasta mixture into it, spreading it evenly for even baking.
  9. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the cheese is melted and deliciously browned.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne or rotini with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni if preferred.
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with Cajun seasoning.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar if you want a lighter version.
  • The chicken can be swapped with shrimp or sausage for a different protein twist.
  • Make sure not to overcook pasta before baking to avoid mushy texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy chicken pasta, baked pasta casserole, cheesy chicken pasta, Cajun seasoning recipe

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/cajun-cream-cheese-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/