If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s equal parts creamy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavors, you’re about to meet your new favorite recipe: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. Imagine perfectly seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a sauce so rich and luscious you’ll want to lick the plate clean, all baked together into bubbly, golden perfection. This dish takes classic comfort food, gives it a hearty Cajun twist, and transforms any weeknight meal into a celebration of color and taste. It’s got everything: flavor, simplicity, and just the right touch of heat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how effortlessly the magic happens with these pantry-friendly ingredients—each one plays its own starring role, from building the velvety sauce to layering in that punchy Cajun flavor. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what makes this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake so memorable!
- Penne Pasta: Holds onto that creamy sauce like a champ, giving every bite the perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for unbeatable tenderness and fast, even cooking.
- Cajun Seasoning: Divided for double-duty flavor in both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to juicy, golden perfection while adding subtle richness.
- Red Bell Pepper: Offers sweet crunch and a pop of vibrant color that looks beautiful in each helping.
- Green Bell Pepper: Adds a touch of earthiness and balances the sweet peppers with a classic Cajun vegetable note.
- Garlic: Three cloves create a bold aromatic backbone that infuses every layer with irresistible flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The key to ultra-silky, indulgent sauce—make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- Chicken Broth: Rounds out the sauce and adds savory depth without heaviness.
- Heavy Cream: Lends that irresistible, decadent creaminess every good pasta bake needs.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts like a dream, giving you those cheesy, stretchy pulls you crave.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Savory, nutty, and just a tad salty, Parmesan creates rich layers of flavor in the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those craving a little extra kick, sprinkle these in for customizable heat.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright and fresh, it’s the perfect finishing touch for flavor and color.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking your penne pasta just until al dente, according to the package directions. It’s important not to overcook, since the pasta will soften a bit more while baking. Once done, drain and set aside. This gives the base for our Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake that signature firm-yet-tender bite.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with half of your Cajun seasoning, using your hands to ensure each morsel is coated in those spicy, earthy flavors. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry about keeping it warm; it’ll heat right back up in the oven!
Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, just until the peppers begin to soften and the kitchen smells incredible with that savory aroma. You want the peppers to keep a little bit of crunch, so don’t overcook.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream straight into the skillet with the peppers. Whisk everything together until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth—don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy at first, it will come together. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Add your cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every piece is smothered in that gorgeous sauce. The flavors of the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake start merging right here, with the pasta soaking in the creamy goodness.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the saucy pasta-chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you’re craving even more melty cheese, sprinkle on extra mozzarella over the top. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes, until everything is bubbly and the top is just starting to turn golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake liberally with fresh parsley. The green stands out beautifully against the creamy, cheesy topping, inviting everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Garnishes
Nothing makes this creamy casserole pop like a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a few sliced green onions over the top. You could also shave a little extra Parmesan to finish, or for a spicy twist, dust with a pinch of Cajun seasoning just before serving. Presentation matters just as much as flavor with Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake—it makes everyone want seconds!
Side Dishes
With a dish this hearty and flavorful, keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables (think asparagus or broccoli) balance the richness of the pasta. Warm, crusty French bread is ideal for mopping up every last drop of sauce, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Spoon individual portions into small cast-iron skillets or shallow bowls for that bistro feel. You can even serve this pasta bake cold the next day, tossed with arugula for a fun, flavor-packed pasta salad. Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is endlessly versatile and makes entertaining feel effortless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, cover leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making each leftover bite even better and creamier than the night before!
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes like a champ. Simply wrap portions (or the whole dish) in a couple layers of plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for best texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe dish or reheat a whole pan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the pasta seems a bit dry. This ensures your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake tastes just as dreamy as when freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pasta bake in advance, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a perfect prep-ahead dish for busy weeknights or entertaining. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if putting it straight in the oven from the fridge.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is totally customizable! The Cajun seasoning adds gentle heat, but if you like things extra fiery, just toss in a few more red pepper flakes or pick a spicier Cajun blend. For a milder version, scale back the seasoning as needed.
Can I use another type Main Course
Yes, you can substitute with rigatoni, rotini, or even shells—any short pasta that grabs onto the creamy sauce will work. Just be sure to cook to al dente so it holds up during baking.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce might be less rich). Greek yogurt stirred in at the end can also mimic some of the creaminess while reducing the overall fat.
What’s the best way to adjust the amount for a larger group?
Simply double the full recipe and bake it in two separate 9×13-inch pans. The Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is fantastic for feeding a crowd, and leftovers are always a hit!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to spice up your dinner routine, this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake brings bold flavors, creamy texture, and easy-crowd-pleasing appeal all in one bubbly casserole. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people to the table, and dig in—your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a Cajun kick. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Cajun Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
Others:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and cook in olive oil until browned. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers and garlic. Add cream cheese, chicken broth, heavy cream, remaining Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until creamy.
- Combine and Bake: Toss pasta and chicken with the sauce, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, use blackened or grilled chicken.
- This dish can be prepped ahead and baked before serving.
- Adjust spice level by varying Cajun seasoning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
