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Irresistible Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe You Need to Try - Featured Image

Irresistible Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe You Need to Try

Learn how to make delicious Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that balance flavor and freshness without adding too much prep time. I always reach for high-quality cream cheese and a good Cajun seasoning blend—homemade or store-bought—because they’re the foundation of the sauce. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well depending on your preference. When it comes to pasta, I like using penne or rotini since they hold onto the sauce nicely. Choosing fresh garlic and a splash of chicken broth really bring everything together with depth. Over the years, I’ve learned that simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference in a dish like this.

  • 2 cups penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped bell peppers or spinach for added veggies

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for the pasta bake.
  2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the minced garlic and chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If you’re adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers, stir them in now for a pop of color and nutrition.
  7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top for a golden crust.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
  9. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, recipe, cooking, food