Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Why Make This Recipe

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that combines creamy cheese and spicy Cajun flavors with tender chicken and pasta. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights since it comes together easily and bakes to perfection. The unique blend of ingredients creates a comforting meal that is sure to please everyone at your dinner table. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that makes for easy clean-up!

How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 small Onion
• 1 Parsley
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 12 oz Penne or rotini pasta
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese
• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic, onion, and red bell pepper until softened.
4. Add the chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink.
5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Add chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream; mix until smooth.
7. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and chopped parsley in a large baking dish.
8. Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Serve this delicious pasta bake hot from the oven. You can sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. This dish goes well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How to Store Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

If you have leftovers, let the pasta bake cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste for more or less heat.

Variation

You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with your choice of protein such as chickpeas or tofu.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli or farfalle.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you are ready to serve.

3. How can I make it less spicy?
To make it less spicy, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning you use or opt for a mild seasoning blend.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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A delightful dish combining creamy cheese, spicy Cajun flavors, tender chicken, and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 small Onion
• 1 Parsley
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 12 oz Penne or rotini pasta
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese
• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic, onion, and red bell pepper until softened.
4. Add the chicken breasts and cook until no longer pink.
5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Add chicken broth, cream cheese, and heavy cream; mix until smooth.
7. Combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and chopped parsley in a large baking dish.
8. Top with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
10. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Great with a side salad or crusty bread. Adjust the Cajun seasoning for desired heat level.

• Author: mehdilmh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Cajun, Pasta, Chicken, Bake, Cream Cheese, Comfort Food