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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake topped with cheese and herbs

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

A cozy and flavorful pasta bake featuring tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a Cajun kick, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta Can substitute with any pasta shape.
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Consider marinating chicken in seasoning for extra flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Can substitute with Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, reduce cream cheese.
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Mix with other cheeses for flavor variation.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • optional Chopped parsley For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions; once done, drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Using the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  5. Stir in the cream cheese until melted and well-combined.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing until smooth. Fold in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, stirring to combine.
  8. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

To elevate your dining experience, serve alongside a crisp salad, garlic bread, or buttered corn on the cob. For leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheat in the oven to retain creaminess.