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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transform the poultry with a vibrant dusting of zesty Cajun spices, ensuring each morsel carries an explosive flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marry the prepared pasta and seasoned chicken within the creamy embrace, ensuring each ingredient becomes thoroughly coated in the rich, spiced mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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