Description

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta baked to bubbly perfection. Ready in under an hour, it combines a rich, spiced sauce with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a crowd-pleasing main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Cheese

1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

Chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables and Build Sauce: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is well combined.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly in the creamy mixture.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Optionally, top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Notes

For an extra smoky flavor, use blackened chicken or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning.
This pasta bake freezes very well—assemble and freeze before baking for an easy make-ahead meal.
Substitute milk for heavy cream to reduce fat slightly, though the sauce may be less rich.
Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.