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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful one-dish meal that combines tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, pasta, and a rich cream cheese sauce. Baked to perfection with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Cheese

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss the cubed chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, then add to the skillet. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet with vegetables. Stir until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in heavy cream and chicken broth, combining well to make a creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
  5. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir until everything is well coated and mixed evenly.
  6. Assemble the bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
  7. Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and enjoy your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotini or penne with other favorite pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
  • For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, cream cheese pasta bake, baked pasta recipe, cheesy chicken pasta

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/cajun-cream-cheese-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe/