Zesty Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with spicy cajun seasonings, creating a mouthwatering dish that screams pure indulgence.

Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta form the foundation of this irresistible meal.

Every forkful delivers a burst of bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

The rich cream cheese sauce adds a luxurious smoothness that elevates this classic casserole.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you experience this hearty and satisfying culinary creation.

Dive into a dish that’s sure to become a permanent favorite in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 652 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the dish, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for easiest preparation.
• Pasta: Provides delightful carbohydrate foundation, select medium-sized pasta shapes like penne or rotini for optimal sauce coverage.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious velvety texture, select full-fat version for richest flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances sauce's silkiness and depth, opt for fresh heavy cream for best results.
• Chicken Broth: Adds subtle savory undertones, use low-sodium variety for better control of saltiness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp tangy notes, choose sharp or extra-sharp for more pronounced flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides classic stretchy melting quality, select whole milk version for superior melting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty complexity, use freshly grated for most intense taste.

• Garlic: Infuses robust earthy essence, select fresh cloves for most potent flavor.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces sweet crunch and vibrant color, choose red or green for visual appeal.
• Onion: Delivers foundational savory undertones, white or yellow varieties work perfectly.
• Cajun Seasoning: Brings spicy zesty kick, choose commercial blend or make homemade version.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth, select high-quality Spanish variety.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper.

Kitchen Items For Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Large Skillet: Key for sautéing vegetables and creating creamy sauce.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Crucial for assembling and baking the pasta.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping vegetables and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix and stir ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients seamlessly.

Directions For Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Kitchen Prep

Warm up your oven to create a cozy cooking environment. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Pasta Magic

Boil water with a pinch of salt and cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for its cheesy adventure.

• Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle Cajun spices over your chicken, giving it a zesty southern kick that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Veggie Sizzle

Heat up a skillet and let garlic, bell peppers, and onions mingle together until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious aromas.

• Creamy Cheese Fusion

Melt cream cheese into the skillet, then welcome heavy cream and broth to the party. Stir in a blend of cheeses and spices until the sauce becomes smooth and irresistible.

• Mixing Flavors

Combine pasta and chicken with the luscious sauce, ensuring every bite is coated with creamy goodness.

• Baking Transformation

Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish. Top with an extra sprinkle of cheese that will become golden and bubbly.

• Oven Performance

Bake until the cheese turns into a beautiful, melted masterpiece. A quick broil will create a crispy, golden top that’s totally Instagram-worthy.

• Serving Celebration

Let the dish cool slightly, then serve warm. Optional parsley garnish adds a fresh, green touch to your culinary creation.

Tips To Enhance Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Spice Master's Secrets: Dial up the Cajun heat by adding extra seasoning or using a homemade spice blend for a more personalized flavor profile.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp, andouille sausage, or plant-based protein like tofu for a delicious alternative that keeps the Cajun spirit alive.
• Low-Carb Magic: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version that's just as creamy and satisfying.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Simply pop it in the oven when you're ready to enjoy a stress-free meal that tastes freshly made.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Boost the nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or chopped kale to the sauce for added texture and nutrients.

How To Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Spicy Side Salad: Whip up a zesty mixed green salad with a light Cajun vinaigrette to complement the creamy pasta's rich flavors and add a fresh, crisp contrast.
• Cooling Companion: Serve a tangy cucumber raita or creamy ranch dressing on the side to balance the dish's spicy Cajun kick and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Bread Basket Boost: Pair with warm garlic bread, cheesy cornbread, or crispy buttered French bread to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the meal.
• Wine & Dine Pairing: Select a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to cut through the pasta's richness and enhance the Cajun spices.

Storing Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Made Simple

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the recipe and freeze half for quick weeknight dinners. Portion into individual containers for grab-and-go meals that save time and reduce cooking stress.
• Refrigerator Refresh Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta covered to prevent drying out and maintain its creamy texture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir halfway through heating to ensure even temperature distribution.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance during meal prep sessions. Store separately in sealed containers to streamline assembly when you're ready to make the dish.

Spicy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake delivers southern comfort with spicy richness. Home cooks can enjoy this hearty Louisiana-inspired dish that brings zesty flavors to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded or diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 oz/227 g) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Pasta Choreography: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, immerse pasta until achieving an al dente consistency, then drain and set aside.
3. Chicken Seasoning: Lavishly coat chicken pieces with Cajun spices, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
4. Aromatic Foundation: In a substantial skillet, sauté garlic, bell peppers, and onions over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. SauceAlchemy: Introduce cream cheese to the skillet, melting it smoothly. Incorporate heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, whisking into a velvety sauce.
6. Harmonious Fusion: Blend the cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring thorough coating and integration.
7. Baking Crescendo: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan across the surface.
8. Oven Transformation: Bake for 20-25 minutes, then activate the broiler briefly to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.
9. Culinary Finale: Remove from oven, let rest momentarily, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Spice Calibration: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for controlled flavor complexity.
• Pasta Precision: Cook pasta slightly under al dente since it continues cooking in the creamy sauce, preventing potential mushiness during baking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Incorporate cream cheese at lower temperatures to prevent grainy texture, ensuring smooth and silky sauce consistency.
• Protein Substitution: Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary flexibility without compromising overall dish structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 652
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg