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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes into the sauce, allowing them to blend seamlessly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- 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.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese throughout the mixture, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
- Transfer the entire mixture to a prepped baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Top the dish with remaining mozzarella, creating a golden, melted cheese layer that will develop a slightly crispy texture.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed crust and the edges become crisp and enticing.
- 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