Cozy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners just got a delightful cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake upgrade that promises comfort and zest.

Spicy seasonings dance through creamy sauce, creating a mouthwatering melody of flavors.

Familiar ingredients combine in unexpected ways to spark excitement around your dinner table.

Hearty chicken nestles between perfectly cooked pasta, promising a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and homemade.

Crispy edges hint at the delectable texture waiting beneath the golden surface.

Cheesy richness mingles with bold cajun spices, delivering a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Explained

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners
• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without requiring professional cooking skills, making gourmet dining accessible at home.
• From start to finish, you'll create a delicious dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking quick yet satisfying meals that don't compromise on taste.
• Easily swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to match personal preferences, ensuring the dish becomes your signature family favorite.
• Designed to feed multiple people with minimal effort, this one-pan wonder guarantees smiles around the dinner table and minimal cleanup afterwards.

Pantry Picks for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Chicken: Tender protein for the main dish, best when pre-cooked and seasoned.
• Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy base that adds smooth texture to the sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides stretchy, melty texture, great for topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

• Pasta: Holds the sauce well, choose a short shape like penne or rotini.

• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic base to the dish.
• Bell Pepper: Brings color and sweet, mild flavor.
• Onion: Provides foundational savory notes.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, luxurious sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.

• Cajun Seasoning: Provides signature spicy and complex flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky undertone to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing overall flavor.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, final touch.

Instructions to Assemble Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub.

Step 2: Pasta Party

Boil a big pot of water with a generous salt sprinkle. Cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Chicken Spice Blast

Coat chicken with zesty Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece gets some love.

Step 4: Veggie Sizzle

• Minced garlic
• Diced bell peppers
• Chopped onions

Cook until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Sauce Magic

• Melting cream cheese into the skillet
• Pouring in heavy cream
• Adding chicken broth
• Stirring in
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Extra Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and dreamy.

Step 6: Mix and Mingle

Fold in cooked pasta and seasoned chicken. Ensure everything gets a perfect sauce coating.

Step 7: Baking Prep

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 8: Oven Transformation

Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly. For extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Pull out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Scatter fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. Dive in and enjoy!

Tips That Help With Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Boost Cajun Flavor: Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper for extra heat and authentic Cajun kick.
• Customize Protein Choices: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu to match dietary preferences and create variety.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add more chicken broth if sauce feels too thick, or simmer longer to thicken for desired texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare entire dish ahead and refrigerate, then bake when ready for convenient and quick weeknight dinner.
• Make It Lighter: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories without compromising rich flavor profile.

How to Store Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place pasta in a covered baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for renewed cheesy goodness.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or oven methods.

What to Serve With Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Select a zesty white wine with bright acidity that cuts through the rich, creamy pasta, balancing the spicy Cajun flavors and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Whip up a light, tangy cucumber salad with dill and vinaigrette to provide a cool, refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy pasta dish, adding a crisp texture and palate-cleansing element.
• Prepare crusty garlic bread with fresh herbs to soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy accompaniment that complements the creamy pasta's texture and enhances the overall dining experience.
• Pour a cold, crisp pilsner that helps neutralize the dish's rich, spicy profile, providing a refreshing counterpoint and cutting through the creamy cheese sauce with its light, hoppy character.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Mix-Ups

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the same Cajun seasoning profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, spicy Cajun flavor intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese. Select coconut cream or almond milk as a cream replacement to maintain sauce consistency.

Answers About Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• What makes Cajun seasoning special in this recipe?

Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick that transforms the pasta bake from ordinary to extraordinary. It brings a signature Louisiana-style heat and depth of flavor that makes every bite exciting and memorable.

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with traditional pasta shapes like penne or rotini, you can easily substitute with rigatoni, shells, or bow-tie pasta. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to maintain the right texture in the final dish.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Some brands are mild, while others are quite hot. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of seasoning and adjust to taste. You can always add more heat later.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra protein like diced shrimp, andouille sausage, or additional chicken. These options will enhance the dish’s flavor profile and increase its protein content, making it even more satisfying and nutritious.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy Cajun chicken pasta bake delivers explosive Southern comfort with bold spices and rich cheese. Hearty layers of zesty protein and noodles promise a satisfying meal that pulls you into Louisiana’s soulful culinary tradition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside for later incorporation.
3. Season the precooked chicken with Cajun spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with robust, zesty flavors.
4. Sauté aromatic vegetables in a large skillet, gently sweating garlic, bell peppers, and onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
5. Create a luxurious sauce base by melting cream cheese into the softened vegetables, then gradually whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth until silky smooth.
6. Incorporate a blend of cheeses – cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan – along with additional Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes a creamy, well-integrated sauce.
7. Fold the cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the velvety sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the rich, spicy mixture.
8. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and topping with an extra layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for added richness.
9. Bake the casserole until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, slightly crispy surface, approximately 20-25 minutes.
10. Allow the dish to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve while still warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Swap chicken for shrimp or plant-based protein like tofu for dietary variety and flexibility.
• Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by adjusting spice levels to personal preference and heat tolerance.
• Prepare components ahead of time, storing separately to streamline final assembly and reduce cooking stress.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg