Description
A delightful mix of creamy, savory, and just a hint of spiciness, this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake features tender chicken, soft pasta, and a velvety sauce infused with zesty Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing it all together in the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Cook the pasta a minute or two less than the package directions say to prevent it from becoming mushy. Use fresh ingredients for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg