If you love bold, spicy flavors wrapped in creamy cheese and tender pasta, this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food. Loaded with juicy chicken, Cajun seasoning, tangy cream cheese, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a satisfying, family-friendly dish that will have everyone going back for seconds.
It’s a quick and easy casserole that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a hungry crowd, this baked Cajun pasta is a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken
- In a bowl, toss chicken cubes with Cajun seasoning until fully coated. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
- In the same pan, add onions and bell peppers. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté another 30 seconds.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- Lower heat to medium. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in half the mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley and serve hot.
Variation:
- Shrimp Cajun Bake: Swap chicken for shrimp, but add it at the end since shrimp cooks faster.
- Veggie-Loaded: Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Extra Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Low Carb: Replace pasta with cooked spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- One-Pot Option: Cook everything in a deep oven-safe skillet and transfer directly to the oven.
COOKING Note:
Cream cheese thickens the sauce beautifully, but make sure it’s softened and fully melted before adding the rest of the liquid. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions:
- With garlic bread: Sop up the sauce with crusty garlic toast.
- With a fresh salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
- With roasted veggies: Serve alongside broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.
- As a meal prep: Store in individual containers for quick, satisfying lunches.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time.
- Cook pasta al dente since it will bake more in the oven.
- Let the dish rest before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add a little Cajun seasoning to the cheese topping for an extra flavor boost.
- For smoky depth, add diced cooked bacon to the mix.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (approx. per serving, 6 servings):
- Calories: ~530
- Protein: ~34g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~33g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~3g
- Sodium: ~520mg
❓FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. Full-fat is best for texture.
How do I store leftovers?
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Can I freeze this pasta bake?
- Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.
What Cajun seasoning should I use?
- Any store-bought brand works, or make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Is it very spicy?
- It has a mild heat, but you can control the spice level by adjusting the Cajun seasoning.
Conclusion:
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is bold, creamy, and packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, melty cheese, and zesty Cajun spices into one unforgettable casserole dish. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a meal prep winner, or something special for guests, this easy recipe delivers every time.
It’s a true Southern-inspired comfort food baked to golden perfection and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. Make it tonight—you won’t regret it!