Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe: A Delightful Culinary Adventure
When it comes to comfort food, the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. This delectable dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a hint of spice, all enveloped in colorful pasta to create a meal that is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only simple to make but also packed with flavor. The Cajun seasoning adds a unique twist that elevates a traditional pasta bake. With its creamy texture and zesty flavors, this dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even meal prep for the week. It’s a versatile recipe that is sure to please both adults and children alike, making it a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their dinner routine.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
When you’re ready to embark on this culinary adventure, here’s what you need and how to bring it all together!
{image_template}
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing some of the sauce and flavors.
- Mix and Match Cheeses: Substitute the cheddar and Parmesan with your favorite cheeses, like gouda or mozzarella, to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for additional nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare this dish in advance and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve!
Flavor Variations Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a delightful seafood rendition of this dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for those who love extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavor profile.
- Creamy Spinach: Incorporate fresh or frozen spinach to add the health benefits of greens while making the dish richer and creamier.
Serving Suggestions Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
This dish is perfect on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. You might consider serving a light Caesar salad to balance the richness of the pasta bake. To elevate the meal further, accompany it with a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a fruity iced tea for a refreshing finish.
Storage and Freezing Instructions Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through – about 15-20 minutes should suffice. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta bake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook directly from the freezer, but adjust the baking time accordingly.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|———-|———|——-|—–|——-|——–|
| 550 | 30g | 45g | 30g | 3g | 800mg |
FAQ About Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake to be vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add hearty vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to bulk it up.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini works beautifully, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Bowties, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta are great options, depending on your preference.
How can I make it less spicy?
If you prefer a milder taste, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving to help mellow the flavor without losing the creamy goodness!
Can this dish be reheated?
Yes, it reheats beautifully! Just place it in the oven at a moderate temperature until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for convenience.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this pasta bake?
Great side dishes include a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or even some roasted vegetables. Each of these complements the rich flavors of the pasta bake while providing a refreshing contrast.
Final Thoughts
The Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a delightful recipe that is easy to make and offers robust flavors suitable for any dinner table. This dish not only satisfies your hunger but also adds a touch of creativity to your weekly meals. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you! Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a hint of spice, all enveloped in colorful pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven. You can also mix and match cheeses to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
