Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a sumptuous and comforting dish that combines the rich, creamy flavors of cream cheese and heavy cream with the bold spice of Cajun seasoning. This easy-to-make casserole features tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a velvety sauce, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining friends. With its one-pan preparation and minimal cleanup, you can whip up this delightful meal even on the busiest weeknights. Garnished with fresh parsley, this pasta bake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, ensuring everyone at the table will be impressed.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with Cajun seasoning, cooking until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted; add heavy cream and chicken broth to create a smooth sauce. Mix in cheddar cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Return chicken to the skillet; add drained pasta and stir until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg