There’s nothing quite as comforting—or crowd pleasing—as a big, bubbling casserole of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. This dish is affectionately loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and sweet peppers, all smothered in a lush, tangy cream cheese sauce amped up with Cajun spices. It’s the weeknight hero you’ve been waiting for: bold, creamy, cheesy, and exceptionally easy to pull together. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or making a statement at potluck night, this pasta bake is about to become your favorite go-to recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake unforgettable is the magic that happens when humble kitchen staples join forces with a dash of bold flavor. Each ingredient, from the chicken to the Cajun spices to the cheesy topping, plays a starring role in creating that perfect bite.
- Penne Pasta: Sturdy and satisfying, penne holds up beautifully to rich sauces, but any favorite short pasta will do.
- Olive Oil: Just a splash gets your chicken and veggies going with the right touch of richness and flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and stay tender, soaking up all the Cajun goodness.
- Cajun Seasoning: This is the flavor engine! Adjust to suit your spice preference—mild or wildly bold.
- Red Bell Pepper: Adds beautiful color and a sweet, juicy crunch to every forkful.
- Green Bell Pepper: A classic Cajun touch for depth and a little snap.
- Yellow Onion: Sweated down for sweetness that melds right into the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and extra savory notes.
- Cream Cheese: The secret weapon for that ultra-silky, decadent sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Adds body and richness—don’t skimp!
- Chicken Broth: Loosens up the sauce and infuses it with savory depth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gets gloriously gooey and melty on top—who can resist?
- Parmesan Cheese: Lends a salty, nutty punch to the cheesy crown.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for tuning all those flavors just right.
- Fresh Parsley: A handful of green for garnish adds color and a bit of fresh herb lift.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to set the stage for baking later. While the oven heats, get your penne pasta boiling. Cook it just until al dente—remember, it’ll soak up a little more moisture and flavor as it bakes, so don’t overcook it now. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil. Toss your chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning (and a pinch more if you crave heat), then let them sizzle in the skillet, stirring occasionally, until they’re cooked through and starting to get some golden color—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, scoop the chicken out onto a plate and keep it nearby.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed, then toss in your sliced bell peppers, onion, and that aromatic minced garlic. Give them about 4 to 5 minutes—they should get soft and a little glossy, adding sweetness and crunch that will shine through the rich sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to those tender veggies and use a spatula to coax it into melting. As it smooths out, gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously until you have a silky, dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat every piece in that creamy Cajun sauce. Next up, fold in the cooked penne. Mix everything thoroughly so that pasta, chicken, and veggies are all coated evenly. Taste the sauce and tweak salt, pepper, and extra Cajun seasoning now for a personalized touch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top, then shower it with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Slide it into the oven uncovered and bake for 15 to 20 minutes; you want the cheese completely melted and bubbly, with those irresistible golden spots on top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the bubbling casserole. It’s the simplest finishing touch for a beautiful burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Garnishes
After pulling the pasta bake out of the oven, I like to finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley. If you want a little added kick, a dusting of smoked paprika or a few crushed red pepper flakes look lovely and hint at the bold flavors inside. You could also top with thinly sliced green onions or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Side Dishes
Pairing sides with Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is simple and fun. A crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette balances the richness, while warm garlic bread is perfect for sopping up extra creamy sauce. You might also serve roasted broccoli, asparagus, or simple sautéed greens for added color and nutrition on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate dinner by baking and serving the pasta in individual ramekins or mini cast iron dishes for personalized portions—so charming for guests! Or, for a family-style feast, scoop generous helpings straight from the casserole dish at the table. Add a few lemon wedges on the side for a zesty squeeze, and don’t forget plenty of fresh herbs for color pop.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake fresh, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay flavorful and moist in the fridge for up to three days—ideal for busy weeknight lunches or speedy dinners.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the bake, assemble everything up until the final baking stage and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly with foil or a well-sealed lid. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes until steaming hot. For larger amounts, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until the cheese is bubbly again—about 20 minutes. If the sauce thickens up, just stir in a splash of cream or broth before reheating to bring that creamy texture back.
FAQs
Can I make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, just bring to room temperature before baking or add a few extra minutes to the oven time.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely. While penne is a classic choice because it catches all that creamy sauce, rotini, rigatoni, or even ziti work beautifully. Just aim for any sturdy, short pasta shape that holds up to baking.
Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
Of course! Simply use a mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount to your taste. You can always add more heat for individual plates with extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Sure thing! Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is versatile. Swap chicken for cooked shrimp, sausage, or even roasted veggies to make it vegetarian. Just adjust your cook time for the protein you choose.
What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
While cream cheese makes the sauce incredibly silky and tangy, you can use mascarpone or a blend of ricotta and extra mozzarella for a slightly different, but still creamy, result.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a little Southern comfort and spice straight to your table, I can’t recommend this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake enough. It’s bold, creamy, and never fails to impress. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes the most requested meal in your house!
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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake that’s loaded with spicy Cajun flavors, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and colorful bell peppers. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, plus more to taste
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cream Sauce:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Cheeses and Garnish:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Pasta: Cook penne pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken: Season and cook chicken in olive oil until done, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.
- Make Cream Sauce: Melt cream cheese in the skillet, add cream and broth, stir until smooth.
- Combine and Bake: Mix in chicken and pasta, season, transfer to baking dish, top with cheeses, bake until bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Cajun seasoning.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini works well in place of penne.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
