Spicy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Whipping up a delectable cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake feels like a culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Spicy flavors dance across tender chicken and creamy pasta, creating a mouthwatering symphony of textures.

Comfort meets excitement in this hearty dish that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of zesty seasonings and rich, velvety sauce.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, embracing pasta and chicken in a warm, inviting hug.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible Southern-inspired masterpiece.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: Bold & Creamy

• Spice Up Your Weeknight Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms this pasta bake from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering a bold and zesty flavor profile that will excite your taste buds.
• Creamy Comfort in One Dish: The combination of cream cheese, heavy cream, and mozzarella creates a luxuriously rich sauce that makes this pasta bake the ultimate comfort food for any gathering.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum satisfaction for the whole family.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using the same skillet for multiple steps, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious food without extensive dishwashing.

Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken Cubes: Tender protein that brings a savory Cajun-spiced flavor to the pasta dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying texture.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy thickness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce's smoothness and richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty depth to the overall flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden, bubbly topping.

• Cajun Seasoning: Delivers a spicy and bold Louisiana-style flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic garlic essence.
• Paprika: Contributes a warm, slightly sweet undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the chicken and prevents sticking.

• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a fresh, tangy element to the creamy sauce.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, bright garnish with a hint of color.

Instructions for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt.

Drop the penne pasta into boiling water and cook until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta in a colander and let it rest to the side.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken with Spice

Grab chicken pieces and sprinkle them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss the seasoned chicken into the hot pan and cook until golden brown and completely done. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Sauce

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

Whisk ingredients together until smooth and velvety. Fold in diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix Pasta Magic

Combine the cooked pasta, spiced chicken, and dreamy sauce in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and gently fold everything together.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375F. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.

Scatter remaining mozzarella on top. Slide into the oven and bake until the top turns golden and cheese bubbles with excitement.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Pasta Bake

• Swap Cajun seasoning for mild spices if you prefer less heat, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
• Opt for low-fat cream cheese and milk to create a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce kitchen stress during meal preparation.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu for different dietary preferences.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain sauce's creamy consistency.

Variations on Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Gluten-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Use cornstarch to thicken sauce instead of traditional flour-based methods.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or firm tofu cubes. Season alternative protein with same Cajun spices to maintain flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cream cheese quantity and add extra spices to boost taste intensity. Keep Cajun seasoning and protein elements consistent.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Select nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor replacement.

Pairing Ideas for Cajun Pasta Bake

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy richness and complement the Cajun spices, creating a refreshing balance.
• Create Crunchy Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Serve with Garlic Herb Bread: Prepare crusty French bread brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with fresh herbs to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Choose a cold Pilsner with light hoppy notes that will cleanse the palate and enhance the Cajun seasoning's spicy undertones.

Storage Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning and can I make it at home?

Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. You can easily mix these spices at home in equal proportions for a homemade version.

• Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. You can control the heat by using less cayenne pepper or choosing a mild Cajun seasoning blend. Adjust according to your personal spice tolerance.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with similar shaped pasta like rigatoni or ziti. The key is using a pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce well.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic shines through this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, blending spicy Creole seasonings with rich, creamy textures. Southern comfort meets bold flavors, promising a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts, cubed

Main Carbohydrates:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Liquids and Moisture:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Vegetables and Garnish:

• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Generously coat chicken cubes with robust Cajun seasoning. Sizzle in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown and completely cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Create luxurious sauce by melting cream cheese in the same skillet. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, chicken broth, and aromatic spices until silky smooth. Incorporate diced tomatoes and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Fold cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese throughout the mixture.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer pasta blend into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly. Blanket the top with remaining mozzarella cheese for a golden, bubbling finish.
6. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bronzed layer. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley, serving immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• Use high-quality Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor complexity and ensure even coating on chicken cubes.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help Cajun spices adhere better and create a perfect sear.
• Avoid overcooking pasta during initial boiling to prevent mushy texture in final baked dish.
• Select full-fat cream cheese for richer, more luxurious sauce consistency.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting liquid quantities if needed, adding more broth for thinner sauce or simmering longer to reduce.
• For gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free penne and verify Cajun seasoning ingredients.
• Lower-fat alternative possible by using reduced-fat cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.
• Fresh garlic minced can replace garlic powder for more intense, authentic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg