Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Let’s get cooking! My Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. Imagine a creamy, cheesy, spicy explosion of flavor in every bite. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary adventure.

This recipe is a lifesaver on those busy evenings when you crave something comforting yet exciting. It’s the perfect blend of Cajun spice and creamy goodness that will leave you wanting more.

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe boasts incredible flavor, easy preparation, stunning visual appeal, and amazing versatility.

It’s ready in under an hour, and it’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a casual get-together. The creamy cheese sauce complements the Cajun spices beautifully, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Its golden-brown crust and bubbling cheese are undeniably appealing. Finally, you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, making it suitable for everyone!

Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breast Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking and tender meat. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Pasta Any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells will work perfectly. Choose your favorite!

Cream Cheese Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest and creamiest texture. Let it soften to room temperature for easy mixing.

Milk Use whole milk for a richer sauce. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use 2% milk.

Cajun Seasoning Use a pre-made blend or create your own with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

Cheddar Cheese Shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful sharpness and melt beautifully. You can use a mix of cheeses if you desire.

Onion One medium yellow onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. Finely chop it for even distribution.

Garlic Fresh garlic cloves add a pungent, aromatic note to the dish. Mince them finely for best results.

Vegetable Broth Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the dish. Chicken broth is also a suitable option.

Flour All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce. A tablespoon will suffice.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. This helps build flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and milk until smooth. Stir in the flour until no lumps remain. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and onion, and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and add it to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake piping hot. A side salad would complete the meal perfectly. Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken breast until golden brown, then set aside. Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, prepare the Cajun cream cheese sauce. Combine the cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden. This ensures everything is perfectly cooked and timed.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for beef or turkey. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack. Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through. Avoid over-reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Don’t overcook the chicken; aim for juicy perfection.

Ensure your cream cheese is softened for a smoother sauce.

Pre-grating your cheese helps it melt more evenly into the sauce.

My family raved about this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake at last year’s holiday gathering. It was a total hit!

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comfort food dream come true. It’s creamy, cheesy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying. Forget everything you thought you knew about pasta bakes because this one is a game changer. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup milk

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Pasta & Bake:

1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)

1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In a medium saucepan, melt the softened cream cheese over low heat. Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk until smooth. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and Cajun seasoning. Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the cream cheese mixture until thickened. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Cook the Pasta:

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble and Bake:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Combine the cooked chicken, pasta, and sauce in the prepared baking dish. Stir to combine. Top with the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (if using).

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Work in batches to ensure even browning. This will give you perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Using a good quality Cajun seasoning blend makes all the difference. I recommend buying a pre-made blend for convenience, but you can easily make your own.

If you want an extra creamy sauce, add a splash more heavy cream or milk at the end. You can also stir in some cooked chopped vegetables for added flavor and nutrients. Don’t be shy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use different types of pasta?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, farfalle, or even shells would all work well.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it later. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream?

A: You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a similar creaminess. Just be aware that it might alter the flavor profile slightly.

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering. Enjoy!

Conclusion for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together. The creamy sauce, bursting with Cajun spices, coats every bite of pasta and chicken beautifully. The recipe is relatively easy to follow, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels. Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference. The best part? Leftovers are just as delicious the next day! So go ahead and give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to cook it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. The cream cheese will thicken slightly overnight which is a bonus! Just remember to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.

What kind of pasta works best in this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

While you can experiment with different shapes, penne, rotini, or shells work wonderfully in this recipe. Their slightly irregular shapes provide lots of nooks and crannies for the creamy Cajun sauce to cling to. Avoid using very long pasta shapes, as they might be difficult to manage in the baking dish. A shorter pasta shape ensures an even distribution of the delicious creamy sauce. This will help make every bite of your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake perfect.

Are there any substitutions for the cream cheese in this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?

While cream cheese provides the signature richness and creaminess, you can experiment with other soft cheeses if needed. A combination of ricotta and mascarpone cheeses could work well, but might result in a slightly different flavor profile. Be aware that the consistency might change slightly, but the dish will still be tasty. Always taste as you go and adjust seasonings to suit your palate. It is always advisable to try to stay with the original Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for optimum results.

Can I make this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you certainly can! Simply omit the chicken and substitute with your favorite vegetables, such as roasted bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. The Cajun spices will still complement the vegetables beautifully. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as vegetables generally cook faster than chicken. You could even add some extra chickpeas for protein. This vegetarian adaptation will be a delicious and hearty Cajun Cream Cheese Pasta Bake.