Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a bold, creamy, and cheesy comfort meal made with seasoned chicken, penne, and bell peppers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup diced red and yellow bell peppers
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté onion and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and milk to the skillet. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and more Cajun seasoning if desired.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir to combine.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 2 minutes for a golden top, if desired.
- Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or green onions if using.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture.
- Do not overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Chicken can be substituted with shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
- Make ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze well for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, creamy pasta bake, spicy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy pasta casserole
