Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Creamy Cajun chicken pasta bake with tender pasta, seasoned chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, peppers, and a golden baked finish. A cozy family-style dinner that is hearty enough for leftovers and practical enough for weeknight planning.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, then stir in garlic.
- Reduce the heat and stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked pasta, Parmesan, and half of the cheddar until evenly coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish, top with remaining cheddar, and bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat portions with a splash of broth or milk to help the cream cheese sauce loosen again.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months, but expect the creamy sauce to soften slightly after thawing.
Expert Tips: Soften the cream cheese before cooking and keep the heat low when making the sauce for the smoothest texture.
Variations: Add spinach, use rotisserie chicken, swap in Monterey Jack, or increase the Cajun seasoning for more heat.
Sauce Tips: If the pasta mixture looks too thick before baking, stir in a small splash of reserved pasta water or broth.