Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra for topping)
- 8 oz penne 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.
Notes
Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste. Add bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor. Swap cheeses or use shrimp or sausage for a twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Cajun, pasta bake, chicken, cream cheese, comfort food