Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s both hearty and flavorful. The richness of the cream cheese blends beautifully with the bold Cajun spices, making every bite a little burst of flavor. With tender chicken and pasta baked to perfection, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home. It’s simple to prepare and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly in the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a flavorful vegetarian bake.
- Spicier Version: Add more Cajun seasoning or toss in some chopped jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Feel free to add more cheese like cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a richer, cheesier dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Make it with Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp to give this dish a different, seafood-inspired flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the baked pasta to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, but pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best as they hold the sauce well.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based cream substitute, and dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free.
4. Can I freeze the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works well in this dish.
6. Can I adjust the spice level of the Cajun seasoning?
Absolutely! You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste. Add more for extra heat or use less for a milder flavor.
7. What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use thighs for a juicier result. Just make sure to dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
8. How do I prevent the cream cheese sauce from curdling?
Make sure to melt the cream cheese over low to medium heat, and add the heavy cream slowly while stirring. This will help keep the sauce smooth.
9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of green onions?
Yes, fresh herbs like parsley or basil would be a wonderful alternative to green onions for garnish.
10. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can try cooking it in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the pasta, cook on low for 3-4 hours, and then stir in the cooked pasta before serving.
Conclusion
The Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect dish for those who love a combination of creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavors. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s an ideal meal for family dinners or any time you want to indulge in something comforting. With its versatility, you can adjust the recipe to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a reliable go-to recipe for any occasion.
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a spicy Cajun kick, making it the ultimate comfort food. The rich cream cheese sauce melds perfectly with the bold spices, creating a flavorful, hearty dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy evening at home, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you're craving something cheesy, spicy, or creamy, this baked pasta is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun/Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta, stirring to combine evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with additional mozzarella cheese, if desired.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for different variations.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning for more or less spice depending on your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
