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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

A rich and creamy pasta bake infused with zesty Cajun flavors, perfect for family dinners and celebrations.
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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 and Chicken
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta Both penne and rotini work well; substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, cubed Can substitute with turkey or a plant-based protein like tofu.
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste; can make your own by blending spices.
Vegetables
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Cheeses
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Reduced-fat cream cheese can be used for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more flavor.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
Seasoning
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 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.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
  5. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together.
  8. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Baking
  1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven as needed. For meal prep, cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze for up to 2 months without baking.