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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese throughout the mixture.
- 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.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, bronzed layer. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- 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