Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta
A creamy, spicy pasta bake featuring tender chicken, Cajun seasoning, and a rich cheese sauce. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish greased
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and Cajun seasoning, cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in shredded cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until sauce is creamy and cheese is melted.
- Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta, mixing to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer mixture to greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Add extra Cajun seasoning or cayenne for more heat.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness.
- Prepare in advance and refrigerate before baking; increase baking time if chilled.