Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake! A quick and easy dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor, perfect for cozy family meals or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz penne pasta: Cooked al dente.
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed: Tender bites of protein.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Add bold flavor and spice.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy base.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds tangy richness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty topping.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For depth of flavor.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh): Adds a fresh, juicy contrast.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory notes.
- 1 tsp paprika: Boosts smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
- Chopped parsley: Fresh garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Sauté the Chicken:
Season the chicken cubes with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until fully cooked. Set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add diced tomatoes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. - Bake the Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add more Cajun seasoning for an extra kick of heat.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage for a tasty variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg