Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect mix of spicy, creamy, and comforting. Tender chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a rich cream cheese sauce come together for a baked pasta that’s weeknight-friendly yet dinner-party good. If you love creamy pasta dishes like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, this Southern-inspired version will become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

Bold flavor: Cajun spices bring heat and depth to every bite.
Creamy comfort: Cream cheese and mozzarella melt into a silky sauce.
Family-friendly: Perfect balance of spice and creaminess for everyone.
Easy to make ahead: Assemble, refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for topping)
8 oz twisted pasta
1 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in cream and cream cheese until smooth.
Add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until melted into a thick, creamy sauce.
Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
Transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle with extra cheese and a pinch of Cajun seasoning.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Spice level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your heat preference.
Add veggies: Bell peppers, onions, or spinach go great in this bake.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for extra kick or cheddar for a classic flavor.
Protein ideas: Sub chicken with shrimp or andouille sausage for a seafood twist.

Substitutions

Pasta: Use rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have.
Dairy-free: Replace cream and cheese with cashew cream and vegan cheese alternatives.
Chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic breadsticks. It pairs beautifully with a light rosé or iced tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave until hot.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 minutes to the time if cold.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper for a homemade version.

Can I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of cream and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter sauce that’s still creamy.

More to Try

Conclusion

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is pure comfort in a dish—creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that tastes like it took all day to make.