Zesty Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe – Family Fave!

Creamy, zesty flavors dance through this spicy Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Bold Cajun seasonings infuse every single bite with mouthwatering excitement.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among perfectly cooked pasta strands, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Melted cream cheese adds a luxurious richness that elevates this comfort dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Layers of spice and creaminess make each forkful a culinary adventure waiting to happen.

The robust Cajun spices deliver a kick that will spark conversation around the dinner table.

Prepare to savor a meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

How to Bake a Creamy and Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil so nothing sticks.

• Boil the Noodles

Get a big pot of water bubbling and drop in your pasta. Cook until it’s perfectly tender, then drain and set aside.

• Spice the Chicken

Toss your cooked chicken with a hearty sprinkle of Cajun magic, making sure every piece gets some love.

• Sauté the Veggies

Warm up a skillet and dance some olive oil around. Toss in garlic, bell peppers, and onions. Let them soften and get all fragrant and delicious.

• Create the Creamy Sauce

Drop in cream cheese and watch it melt into silky smoothness. Pour in cream and broth, whisking like a pro. Stir in cheeses and seasonings until everything blends into a dreamy sauce.

• Mix It All Together

Fold the pasta and chicken into the sauce, coating every single morsel with flavor.

• Prepare for Baking

Slide the mixture into your waiting baking dish. Shower the top with an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

• Bake to Perfection

Send it into the oven and let it bubble and brown for 20-25 minutes. For an extra golden top, hit it with the broiler for a quick minute.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Dig in while it’s hot!

Flavor Adjustments for Cajun Pasta Lovers

• Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, from mild to fiery hot. Start with less and gradually add more for personalized flavor punch.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse protein options that keep the dish exciting.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and add delightful texture variations.
• Use gluten-free pasta and verify seasoning ingredients to transform this recipe into a celiac-safe meal without compromising deliciousness.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Bake directly from cold for a convenient weeknight dinner solution.

Serve This Pasta Bake for Cozy Dinners

• Zesty Meal Companions: A fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette cuts through the rich, creamy pasta perfectly.
• Crispy Side Kick: Garlic bread or toasted French bread slices provide a delightful crunch and help soak up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Wine Pairing Delight: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the Cajun spices and creamy texture wonderfully.

Store Leftovers for Easy Weeknight Meals

• Store leftover pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigeration keeps the dish fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Oven method works best for restoring crispy cheese topping – heat at 350F for 10-15 minutes.
• Wrap unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding 10-15 minutes to original cooking time.
• Divide large batch into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 700 kcal

Servings: 4

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Ingredient List

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and absorbs Cajun spices beautifully, choose boneless skinless cuts for easy preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall depth of flavor and provides moisture for the sauce, select low-sodium for better control of saltiness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce base with rich tang, select full-fat version for maximum creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Adds silky smoothness and helps bind sauce ingredients, opt for fresh, high-quality cream.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, robust flavor profile, choose aged variety for more intense taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, melty texture, select low-moisture type for best melting consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty finish to topping, use freshly grated for superior flavor.

• Cajun Seasoning: Signature spice blend delivering bold, zesty kick, choose authentic Louisianan blend for authentic taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky undertone, select high-quality Spanish variety for genuine flavor.
• Garlic: Provides foundational aromatic complexity, use fresh cloves for most vibrant taste.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces sweet, crisp vegetable element, select brightly colored peppers for visual appeal.
• Onion: Contributes savory depth and subtle sweetness, choose yellow onions for balanced flavor.
• Olive Oil: Creates foundation for sautéing vegetables, select extra virgin for richer taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential basic.

Tools to Prep Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Large pot: For boiling pasta and creating ample cooking space.
• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and creating creamy sauce.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the pasta casserole.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese grater: Optional, for freshly grating cheese if desired.

Spicy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake delivers southern comfort with bold spices and rich textures. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that will transport you straight to Louisiana’s culinary heart.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ½ cup onion, diced
• 1 block (8 oz or 226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
3. Chicken Enhancement: Coat chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even distribution of robust flavors.
4. Vegetable Sautéing: In a large skillet, caramelize garlic, bell peppers, and onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. Sauce Creation: Melt cream cheese into the vegetable mixture, then gradually incorporate heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar, mozzarella, additional Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, whisking until silky and uniform.
6. Mixture Integration: Fold cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each component is thoroughly coated.
7. Baking Assembly: Transfer the luxurious mixture into the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan across the surface.
8. Baking Process: Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust. Optional: Broil briefly for enhanced browning.
9. Serving Presentation: Allow the dish to rest momentarily, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushy texture when baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Adjust Cajun seasoning to personal heat preference by reducing or increasing the amount for milder or spicier results.
• Gradually add cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg