CAJUN CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN PASTA BAKE ZEST

The way the creamy, spicy sauce clings to every nook and cranny of the perfectly cooked pasta shells, creating a symphony of flavor and texture, is pure magic. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite.

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience. Imagine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s comfort food elevated, and it’s about to become your new weeknight go-to.

The Building Blocks

Using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. Fresh herbs, flavorful spices, and good-quality cheese will elevate the dish to a whole new level. Don’t skimp on the details!

• 1 pound pasta (such as penne, rotini, or shells): *The shape helps grab all that delicious sauce!*
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: *Provides the protein backbone of the dish.*
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: *Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.*
• 1 cup heavy cream: *For an extra luxurious sauce.*
• 1 cup chicken broth: *Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.*
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: *Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps the sauce thicken.*
• 1/4 cup butter: *For sautéing and adding richness.*
• 1 onion, chopped: *The aromatic base for the sauce.*
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: *Adds a pungent, savory note.*
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: *The key to that signature Cajun flavor!*
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: *Adds a smoky depth.*
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: *Enhances the other flavors.*
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: *Adds a touch of spice.*
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: *For garnish and a pop of freshness.*
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: *For a melty, cheesy topping.*

Swaps & Alternatives

• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Gluten-free pasta works perfectly in this recipe.

Chef’s Twists

Want to take this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake to the next level? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Brown Butter: Brown the butter before sautéing the onion and garlic for a nutty, complex flavor.
• Andouille Sausage: Add sliced andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast some bell peppers, zucchini, and onions and add them to the pasta bake for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy note.

The Complete Method

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and the result is a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Get ready to impress!

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and provides a more pleasant texture.

2. Cook the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.

Don’t rush this step. Allowing the onion and garlic to soften and become fragrant is crucial for building a flavorful base for the sauce.

4. Build the Sauce

Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

5. Add the Cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.

Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the sauce. This will help it melt more easily and prevent lumps from forming.

6. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.

Ensure that every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious Cajun cream sauce. This is where the magic happens!

7. Bake the Pasta Bake

Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine or a light beer would also complement the flavors nicely. You might also enjoy this with a side of Cajun Chicken Pasta.

For dessert, try a light and refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dish is also similar to Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe, so if you love that, you’ll love this!

The creamy, cheesy goodness of this dish reminds me of Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake, but with a spicy Cajun twist. If you’re looking for something a little different, try this Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta Skillet. And for a comforting weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Cajun Chicken Spaghetti or even Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Toppings can also elevate this dish. Consider adding some crispy fried onions, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dollop of sour cream.

Know someone who loves Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake? Share this recipe with them!

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Zest

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices are baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s comfort food elevated with a zesty kick.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or shells
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
• Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
• Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
• Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pasta bake is heated through.
• Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Brown the butter before sautéing the onion and garlic for a nutty flavor. Add sliced andouille sausage for a smoky kick. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake, so aim for al dente. Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth consistency. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and thicken, so don’t rush this step.