Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a bold and creamy comfort food favorite packed with flavor. Tender chunks of Cajun-seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce made from cream cheese, melted cheese, and spices are baked together into a bubbly, golden casserole. This dish is the perfect fusion of spicy and creamy—ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
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10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
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4 oz cream cheese, cubed
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (more to taste)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ onion, diced
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¾ cup heavy cream or whole milk
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½ cup chicken broth
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: 1 bell pepper, diced; green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté chicken until cooked through. Remove from pan. -
Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, cook onion and garlic until softened. Optional: add bell pepper here for extra flavor. -
Make the Sauce:
Lower the heat. Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth. Add shredded cheese and more Cajun seasoning as desired. Simmer until thickened. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl or pot, mix cooked pasta, chicken, and sauce until evenly coated. -
Bake:
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with more cheese if desired. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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Serve:
Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
To reduce spice, use less Cajun seasoning or a mild version.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more vegetables.
For a crispy topping, add buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
Let rest 5–10 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Keywords: cajun chicken pasta bake, cream cheese pasta, chicken casserole, spicy pasta bake, easy weeknight casserole