Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Indulge in the creamy and zesty flavors of this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe, a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner or gathering. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, zesty peppers, and a smooth cream sauce infused with Cajun spices, making it a hit for all ages. With a short prep time of just 45 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that not only satisfies but also excites the palate. The combination of chewy pasta and rich cheeses offers comfort in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning; cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet.
- Sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes in the same skillet.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add heavy cream and chicken broth to create a smooth sauce. Mix in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce; mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg