Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful Cajun sauce with cream cheese, garlic, and Parmesan, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish with a delightful Cajun kick that's perfect for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by coating it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rotini pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese, chicken broth, and remaining Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to combine.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken and drained pasta to the creamy Cajun sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake the pasta: Transfer the chicken, pasta, and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity to match your desired spice level.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture, but reduced-fat cream cheese works as a lighter alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh provides a better flavor.
