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
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
