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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

A comforting and creamy Cajun pasta bake that combines chicken, cheese, and a burst of spices, perfect for cozy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Proteins
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta Use either for optimal sauce cling.
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, cubed Substitute with cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Vegetables & Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Use a quality mix for authentic flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt and pepper to taste salt and pepper
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Ensure it's room temperature for easy blending.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheeses.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  2. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  4. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Can be prepared ahead of time; store it without baking, then cover well and refrigerate. For freezing, allow it to cool completely before covering tightly.