Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Flavorful – The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a smooth, velvety sauce infused with bold Cajun spices.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple steps, this pasta bake comes together quickly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – It reheats well, making it a great choice for leftovers.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add veggies to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly – A comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne pasta
- Chicken breasts, cubed
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir over medium heat until smooth.
- Add Seasonings: Mix in garlic powder, paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir in diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the sauce. Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Bake the Dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning for more heat.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in cheddar or pepper jack for an extra cheesy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or bowtie will work well.
4. How can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
5. Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Try adding crumbled bacon, shrimp, or sliced sausage for extra protein.
6. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and avoid overbaking to maintain its texture.
7. How do I make this a one-pot meal?
Cook everything in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer directly to the oven.
8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just mix it in with the pasta and sauce before baking.
9. What should I serve with this pasta bake?
A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.
10. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and plant-based cheese alternatives.
Conclusion
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, creamy, and spicy dish that’s perfect for a hearty meal. With its bold flavors and cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a delicious and satisfying option. Try it today and enjoy every bite!
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy dish packed with bold flavors. Tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious Cajun-spiced cheese sauce come together in this easy-to-make baked pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir over medium heat until smooth.
- Add Flavor:
- Mix in garlic powder, paprika, Parmesan cheese, and diced tomatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta and sautéed chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Bake the Dish:
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or extra Cajun seasoning.
- Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Cheese Blend: Try a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
