If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting creaminess of a pasta bake with the bold, spicy kick of Cajun flavors, then this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces seasoned to perfection, smothered in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and a blend of melty cheeses, all supported by hearty pasta and vibrant vegetables. It’s the ideal crowd-pleaser that balances spice, richness, and freshness all in one satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is in its simplicity and the harmony of flavors each ingredient brings. Every item on this list plays a vital role, whether it’s providing zest, creaminess, texture, or color—making your meal both delicious and visually inviting.
- Chicken tenders or breasts: Tender chunks of chicken provide the juicy, protein-packed base that soaks up the spices perfectly.
- Cajun seasoning: This blend is the heartbeat of the dish, giving it its signature smoky, spicy depth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing every ingredient.
- Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Butter: Creates the foundation for a silky, flavorful sauce.
- Red onion: Adds a mild sharpness and slight sweetness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Broccoli florets: Provides a vibrant green crunch and nutritional boost.
- Red bell pepper: Brings sweet, crisp contrast and bright color.
- Roma tomatoes: Introduce fresh acidity and body to the creamy sauce.
- Pasta (farfalle, penne, or choice): The hearty vehicle that carries all those luscious flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream: Gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture.
- Chicken stock or broth: Adds depth and balances the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese: Sharp and nutty, it intensifies the savory notes of the bake.
- Shredded cheese blend: (Colby Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack) Melts beautifully to create that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Begin by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain it once al dente and set it aside—it will finish cooking in the bake, absorbing all those luscious flavors.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry, then liberally coat them with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through, locking in juicy flavors. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside so you can make the sauce in the same pan.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced red onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and fill your kitchen with that mouthwatering aroma. After 2 to 3 minutes, add broccoli florets and diced red bell pepper, allowing these veggies to slightly tenderize over 5 minutes. This step ensures every forkful has texture and brightness.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the diced roma tomatoes, heavy whipping cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese, along with 2 cups of your shredded cheese blend. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a rich, creamy sauce that will hold the Cajun-spiced chicken and pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Stir thoroughly so every morsel is coated with that irresistible sauce and the flavors meld seamlessly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, because that perfect seasoning balance is key to this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly on top. Slide it into your oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the top is bubbling, golden, and begging to be devoured. Once out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a wonderful herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. For an extra kick, a few red pepper flakes on top can bring your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe to life right at the table.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and fresh with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables that complement the creamy pasta bake without overwhelming it. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic cast iron skillets for a cozy, homey presentation that keeps it warm longer. Alternatively, portioning it into individual ramekins creates a charming personal portion that’s great for dinner parties. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs on each plate to impress your guests with that homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making leftovers just as delightful as the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes wonderfully. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its creamy texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway to ensure even warmth and prevent dryness. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating for that fresh, melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Farfalle and penne work great, but feel free to substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even macaroni—the sauce clings well to most pasta shapes.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds a pleasant amount of heat, but you can adjust it to your taste. Reduce the seasoning for a milder version or add some cayenne pepper if you crave extra spice.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even plant-based chicken alternatives, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for full-flavored comfort without meat.
What cheeses are best for this bake?
A combination of Colby Jack, Cheddar, and Pepper Jack melts beautifully and brings a fantastic balance of creamy, sharp, and slightly spicy notes that complement the Cajun seasoning.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that your chicken stock and Cajun seasoning are gluten-free, and you’re good to go with the same delicious results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe brings bold flavors and creamy comfort together in one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing friends with an easy yet flavorful meal. Once you try it, it just might become a regular staple in your kitchen, ready to warm you up any day of the week.
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and a rich cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, it blends zesty spices with creamy textures and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, breasts, or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cajun seasoning, to taste
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 10 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 crowns broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb pasta (farfalle, penne, or your choice)
- 6 tbsp butter
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded cheese, divided (Colby Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or your blend of choice)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the broccoli florets and diced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the diced roma tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken stock, grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Mix in the drained pasta and stir thoroughly to combine all elements evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare for Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the entire pasta and chicken mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and the dish set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you like; short pasta like penne or farfalle works best for baking.
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half combined with cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
- Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can enhance the Cajun flavor further.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and verify that the chicken broth is gluten-free.
