Savory Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a flavor-packed adventure.

Spicy seasonings dance with creamy textures, creating a dish that surprises and delights.

Bold Cajun spices bring warmth and depth to every single bite.

Tender chicken nestles between perfectly cooked pasta, promising a meal that feels both comforting and exciting.

Melted cream cheese adds a luxurious richness that makes this recipe truly irresistible.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this mouthwatering masterpiece that combines Southern flair with classic comfort food.

Cajun Pasta Bake That’s Cheesy, Creamy, and Spicy

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and melted mozzarella, this dish delivers an exciting taste experience that'll satisfy even the pickiest eaters at the dinner table.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimize cleanup with this simple recipe that uses minimal cookware, combining cooking and baking in just a few easy steps that anyone can master, regardless of cooking skill level.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile enough for casual family dinners, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this pasta bake serves as a hearty main course that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake What Goes In

• Pasta: Hearty foundation for the dish, classic pasta works best with sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor during cooking.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs Cajun seasoning, choose fresh and trimmed.
• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend with bold, zesty southwestern flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and silky consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of flavor and ensures sauce isn't too thick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds complexity to sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bright, fresh element that cuts through rich sauce.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, stretchy cheese that creates golden brown crust.

• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic background note.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly smoky undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish with green color.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake Assembly

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain and set aside, letting it rest while you prepare the other delicious components of this mouthwatering dish.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Cajun Flair

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken pieces.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and completely cooked through.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce Magic

• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Parmesan cheese

Simmer the mixture until it becomes silky smooth.

Fold in diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 4: Merge Delicious Components

Gently mix the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and velvety sauce.

Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring everything is beautifully coated and integrated.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the entire mixture to a greased baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top.

Slide into a preheated oven at 375°F and bake until the top turns golden and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish by scattering fresh parsley over the top.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for a Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake with Cream Cheese Swirls

• Add extra Cajun seasoning for a more intense, spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.
• Slice chicken into smaller, even pieces to ensure moisture and even cooking throughout the pasta bake.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfect creamy texture.
• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.

Reheat Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Prevent freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover dish with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water on pasta, cover with microwave-safe lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Sides

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy Cajun flavors and cut through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side of crusty, buttery garlic bread to soak up the luxurious sauce and add a delightful crispy texture to the meal.
• Balance with Fresh Salad: Prepare a light, tangy mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to contrast the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Finish with Cool Cucumber Salsa: Whip up a quick cucumber and red onion salsa to add a bright, cool element that helps temper the dish's spicy Cajun kick.

Cajun Pasta Bake with Creamy Chicken Ideas

• Gluten-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower noodles. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy Cajun flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with plant-based alternatives like grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas. Season with Cajun spices for similar taste and texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and dairy-free mozzarella for vegan-friendly preparation.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices including paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and oregano that adds bold, spicy flavor to dishes from Louisiana cuisine.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and has good texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Use less cayenne or a mild blend if you prefer a milder flavor, or add more for extra heat.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, and use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake delivers a mouthwatering southern comfort meal with rich, creamy textures and bold flavors. Hearty ingredients combine in one skillet for a satisfying dinner that brings zesty Louisiana spirit directly to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted water, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ensuring no excess water remains.
2. Season chicken generously with Cajun spice blend, coating each piece evenly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken over medium-high temperature until golden brown and completely cooked through, with no pink interior visible.
3. Using the same skillet, create a creamy sauce foundation by melting cream cheese and whisking in heavy cream, chicken broth, and aromatic spices. Stir continuously to prevent scorching and achieve a silky consistency.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the sauce, allowing them to blend seamlessly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the sauce along with the prepared pasta, ensuring every strand is luxuriously coated.
6. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese throughout the mixture, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to a prepped baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
8. Top the dish with remaining mozzarella, creating a golden, melted cheese layer that will develop a slightly crispy texture.
9. Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed crust and the edges become crisp and enticing.
10. Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

• Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot blends to match personal spice tolerance.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or plant-based protein to create versatile dietary alternatives.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and milk options to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and ensure smooth recipe execution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 730 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg