Comforting Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy comfort calls to you in this delightful Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake recipe that promises a zesty adventure.

Southern spices dance through tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.

My kitchen always buzzes with excitement when this dish starts simmering.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich, spicy flavors that spark conversation around the dinner table.

cheese melts into a luxurious sauce, coating every noodle with warmth and depth.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

I promise you’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving.

What Makes Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake So Yummy

• Spice Up Your Comfort: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken pasta into a zesty, flavor-packed meal that tingles your taste buds with a perfect blend of warmth and excitement.
• Creamy Cheesy Goodness: Multiple cheese varieties create an ultra-rich, velvety sauce that hugs every pasta strand, delivering a luxurious and indulgent dining experience that feels like a culinary hug.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: This one-pan pasta bake comes together in under an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Customization: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to suit different preferences and dietary needs while maintaining its delectable core flavors.

What Goes In Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: The base of the dish, perfect for holding the creamy sauce.

• Chicken, Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich protein sources that add creaminess and depth to the dish. Choose fresh, high-quality cheeses for best flavor.

• Garlic, Bell Pepper, Onion: Provide essential flavor and texture. Fresh vegetables will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cajun Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Adds signature spicy and smoky flavor. Homemade or store-bought Cajun seasoning works well.
• Olive Oil, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates a smooth, rich sauce base. Use low-sodium broth for better control of saltiness.

• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and light herbal note.

Steps To Cook Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Noodle Dancing

Boil a big pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Toss in pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, letting it rest and cool down.

Step 3: Spice Up The Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over your cooked chicken pieces, making sure each morsel gets a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Veggie Sizzle

• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped onions

Sauté until the veggies turn soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Sauce Magic

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Keep stirring until the sauce becomes a creamy dream.

Step 6: Mix It Up

Fold the cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the sauce. Ensure every single piece gets a luxurious coating.

Step 7: Baking Preparation

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Oven Time

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece. For an extra crispy top, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Pull out your culinary creation and let it rest for a few minutes. Scatter some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!

Helpful Tips For Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Spice Adjust Wisely: Modify Cajun seasoning intensity to match your heat tolerance, using less for mild preference or adding extra for bold flavor lovers.
• Cheese Swap Smartly: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gouda or pepper jack to create unique taste profiles while maintaining creamy texture.
• Protein Flexibility: Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary variations without compromising dish's core essence.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra layers of texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, allowing flavors to meld and creating convenient meal preparation.

Keep Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed pasta bake stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Microwave Reheating: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the pasta reaches steaming temperature.
• Oven Reheating: Transfer pasta to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350F for 1520 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain moisture.
• Freezing Option: Wrap the cooled pasta bake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the oven method.

Good Sides For Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Sip Zinfandel Wine: A bold and spicy Zinfandel perfectly complements the Cajun cream sauce, matching the dish's rich and robust flavors while cutting through the creamy texture.
• Pair with Crisp Caesar Salad: A tangy Caesar salad with fresh romaine and herbed croutons provides a refreshing contrast to the heavy, cheesy pasta bake, balancing the meal's richness.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread helps soak up the delicious Cajun cream sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor and providing a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Choose Sparkling Lemonade: A bright, bubbly sparkling lemonade offers a zesty and refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, spicy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.

Tasty Changes To Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with shrimp or a mix of shrimp and crab meat, using Old Bay seasoning for a coastal flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or zucchini, add spinach and mushrooms for extra nutrients and hearty texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate black beans, corn, and jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick of heat.
• Mediterranean Merger: Substitute Cajun seasoning with dried oregano, add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Questions

• What makes this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake special?

This dish brings together the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun seasoning with creamy, cheesy goodness. The combination of multiple cheeses, seasoned chicken, and vibrant vegetables creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with most pasta shapes, short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells tend to hold the creamy sauce best. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.

• Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a nice kick, but it’s not overwhelmingly hot. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. The cream and cheese also help balance out the heat, making it enjoyable for most people.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake delivers a spicy southern charm straight from Louisiana’s kitchen. Bold flavors and hearty ingredients promise comfort for hungry souls who crave bold, zesty pasta perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 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

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 375F (190C). Lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with protective oil to prevent potential sticking.
2. Create a liquid bath in a spacious pot, seasoning the water with salt. Submerge pasta strands, allowing them to dance and soften until achieving that perfect tender-firm texture. Carefully extract and reserve.
3. Transform the poultry with a vibrant dusting of zesty Cajun spices, ensuring each morsel carries an explosive flavor profile.
4. Awaken aromatics in a generously sized skillet. Dance minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced onions over moderate heat, coaxing out their natural sweetness and softening their robust textures.
5. Introduce cream cheese to the sizzling landscape, gently melting into a silky canvas. Stream in heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking with purpose. Layer in cheddar, mozzarella, additional Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce.
6. Marry the prepared pasta and seasoned chicken within the creamy embrace, ensuring each ingredient becomes thoroughly coated in the rich, spiced mixture.
7. Migrate the elaborate concoction into the prepared baking dish. Crown the creation with a lavish sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, promising a golden, crispy summit.
8. Slide the dish into the heated oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for transformation. For an extra touch of decadence, activate the broiler briefly to achieve a perfectly caramelized cheese landscape.
9. Rescue the bubbling masterpiece, allowing a momentary rest. Optional emerald parsley can provide a fresh flourish before serving this comforting, spice-laden feast.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breasts for a lighter version, trimming excess fat for healthier protein.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta and ensure Cajun seasoning is gluten-free for celiac-friendly adaptation.
• Toast spices briefly before adding to enhance their depth and release more robust flavors.
• Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or andouille sausage for exciting flavor variations.
• Prep vegetables in advance to streamline cooking and reduce overall preparation time.
• Undercook pasta slightly during boiling since it continues cooking in the cheesy sauce and oven.
• Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for sauce to set and achieve perfect consistency.
• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Add fresh green onions or chives just before serving for bright, crisp flavor contrast.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg