If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that bursts with flavor and creaminess, this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, spicy chicken tossed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce, mingling perfectly with al dente penne pasta, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug on a plate, ideal for sharing with family or friends on any weeknight or special occasion. The Cajun seasoning adds just the right kick, while the cream cheese sauce brings that smooth, indulgent texture that makes this pasta bake utterly irresistible.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this recipe right is all about simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays an essential role from the spicy chicken to the creamy cheeses that blend into the perfect sauce.

2 chicken breasts, diced: Provides a hearty protein base that’s tender and juicy when cooked properly.
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This bold blend spices up the chicken with a perfect balance of heat and herbs.
8 oz penne pasta: The ridges and tubes of penne hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken, adding richness and helping to brown it nicely.
4 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the sauce its signature smooth and velvety texture.
1 cup heavy cream: Enhances the creaminess and makes the sauce beautifully luxurious.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a gooey, stretchy consistency that’s irresistible.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese: Adds a punch of savory, nutty flavor that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.

How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and don’t forget to grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later on. This simple prep sets the foundation for a perfectly baked pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the flavorful chicken and sauce. Keeping your pasta ready but not overcooked is key to a great texture in the bake.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced chicken along with the Cajun seasoning. Let the chicken cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through. This step brings robust spice and juiciness that make the dish truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Next, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, mixing well until they melt completely and blend into a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to make sure each piece of pasta is generously coated with that rich, flavorful sauce. Getting the coating just right is what takes this bake to the next level.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the top layer to be bubbly and golden, signaling that the cheese is perfectly melted and the flavors have melded beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top, adding a fresh contrast to the rich and spicy pasta bake. Serve it right away while everything is warm and melty for maximum enjoyment.

How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh chopped green onions is a simple way to brighten up the dish visually and flavor-wise. You could also sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan or even some chopped fresh parsley to enhance that fresh, herby note which perfectly balances the creaminess and spice.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with citrus vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add texture and earthy flavor, while garlic bread offers a perfect carb companion for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Alternatively, layer some cooked spinach or kale under the pasta in the baking dish for added color and nutrition. You can also experiment by adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top for some crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Proper storage ensures the flavors stay fresh, although the sauce may thicken a bit, simply stir well when reheating.

Freezing

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to keep the creamy sauce from separating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of milk or cream to restore that lovely creamy consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great for holding sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even rotini would work beautifully thanks to their shapes that trap the creamy sauce well.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate amount of heat, but it’s balanced by the cream cheese and heavy cream, making the spice more approachable. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini and keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian version.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese or mascarpone which also provide a creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when the pasta bake is done?

Look for a bubbly, golden top and that the cheese sauce is visibly melted and slightly thickened. The pasta underneath should be tender but not mushy, giving you everything perfectly cooked.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a dish that combines spice, creaminess, and cheesiness all in one glorious bake. This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe hits every note, offering a dish that’s simple to make yet deeply comforting and flavorful. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover how this cozy pasta bake can quickly become one of your go-to favorites.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.2 from 55 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender diced chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting meal ideal for weeknight dinners that brings a spicy Southern twist to a classic baked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 chicken breasts, diced

Seasonings and Oils

2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

8 oz penne pasta

Cheeses and Dairy

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Garnish

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the pasta later.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente; then drain well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and fully cooked through.
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat slightly and add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Then stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined into a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce.
Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling the perfect baked texture.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for color and freshness, and serve hot to enjoy a deliciously creamy, spicy pasta meal.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Cajun seasoning mix.
You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or ziti if preferred.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream but expect a less rich sauce.
This dish can be prepared up to the baking step in advance and baked just before serving.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American