Let me tell you, this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake is like a warm hug on a chilly evening! The creamy texture, combined with the bold and zesty Cajun flavors, creates a dish that’s downright irresistible. I remember the first time I made it for friends; they couldn’t stop raving about how comforting and satisfying it was. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again, especially on those days when you need a little extra comfort in your life!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake. It’s all super easy to find, and I promise you’ll love every bite!
- 8 oz penne pasta: This is the perfect pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Tender chunks of chicken are key to making this dish hearty.
- 8 oz cream cheese: This gives our bake that luscious, creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, cheesy topping that adds flavor and comfort.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they add a nice burst of flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: This enhances the overall richness of the dish; low-sodium is a great option.
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning: Adjust to your taste—this is what gives our bake that fabulous kick!
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions: These add a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season to your liking!
How to Prepare Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake is not just delicious but also pretty straightforward to make. I promise, you’ll have it ready in no time! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Meanwhile, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions; it usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to drain it well!
Now, grab a skillet and cook the diced chicken over medium heat until it’s golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, add in the softened cream cheese, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Mix everything together until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Next, combine the cooked pasta with this creamy chicken mixture. Pour everything into a baking dish and sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden. When it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with those fresh green onions before serving. Wow, you’re going to love this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain it.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add the softened cream cheese, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet with the chicken.
- Mix everything together until the cream cheese is melted and you have a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the cooked pasta until well combined with the chicken mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top it with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with chopped green onions and serving. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Texture: The cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
- Flavorful Cajun Twist: The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick that elevates the whole dish to new heights!
- Versatile: Feel free to swap in shrimp or sausage for the chicken, or even add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Comfort Food: It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out—perfect for sharing with loved ones!
Tips for Success
To make this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake the best it can be, here are my top tips! First, don’t rush the chicken cooking process—browning it gives amazing flavor. If you want an extra creamy dish, feel free to add more cream cheese or even a splash of heavy cream. When it comes to Cajun seasoning, start with a little and adjust to your taste; everyone has different spice preferences! And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition. Lastly, let it rest a few minutes before digging in; it helps everything settle into that creamy goodness!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake: around 550 calories, 25g of fat, 35g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portions, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Can I use other proteins in this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake?
Absolutely! While I love using chicken, shrimp or even sausage work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of thyme. It’ll give you that nice Cajun kick!
Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—perfect for meal prep!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free pasta, this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake is safe for those avoiding gluten.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake experience, I love to serve it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the creaminess of the pasta beautifully. You could also whip up some garlic bread for that perfect crunch and buttery goodness, which is always a crowd-pleaser! And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with the dish, enhancing those zesty Cajun flavors. Trust me, these sides will take your meal to the next level!
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake That Comforts 4 Ways
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and creamy pasta bake with a Cajun twist, featuring chicken and cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions; drain.
- In a skillet, cook the chicken until browned.
- Add cream cheese, tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning to the skillet.
- Mix until cream cheese is melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp or sausage.
- For extra creaminess, add more cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake