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
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
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender, then drain and set aside for later incorporation.
- Season the precooked chicken with Cajun spices, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with robust, zesty flavors.
- Sauté aromatic vegetables in a large skillet, gently sweating garlic, bell peppers, and onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold the cooked pasta and seasoned chicken into the velvety sauce, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the rich, spicy mixture.
- 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.
- Bake the casserole until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, slightly crispy surface, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- 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