If you’re in the mood for something incredibly creamy, a little spicy, and loaded with comfort, then this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is about to become your new weeknight winner. Think tender seasoned chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, gooey cheese, and vibrant veggies all cozied up together under a golden-baked top—every bite is cheesy, zesty heaven. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and family-friendly, perfect for making dinner feel special, and trust me, it’ll have everyone at the table going back for seconds!

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with staple ingredients, but each one brings its own bit of magic. From the bold Cajun seasoning to the duo of melty cheeses, you’ll find every addition has a starring role in the final flavor and texture.

12 oz penne or rotini pasta: These shapes catch all that luscious sauce, making each bite extra satisfying.
2 chicken breasts, cubed: Lean chicken helps the bake stay hearty but not too heavy.
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The soul of the dish! Choose your favorite blend for warmth and kick.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Necessary for getting that gorgeous sear on the chicken, plus extra richness.
1 small onion, diced: Adds depth and sweetness as it cooks into the sauce.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings color and a subtle crunch to contrast the creamy base.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings that wonderful aromatic lift you’ll notice right away.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret to the ultra-silky, indulgent sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: For next-level richness and body in the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: Helps lighten and balance all that creaminess.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For melty, gooey goodness throughout the pasta bake.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes to the sauce and the golden bake on top.
1 teaspoon paprika: For extra color and a gentle smoky undertone.
Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste and adjust—seasoning makes all the difference.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of freshness and color for the final touch.

How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, set a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Make sure the noodles are al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so you want a little bite left. Drain and set aside; this step sets the stage for a perfectly textured Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe every time.

Step 2: Sauté the Cajun-Seasoned Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your cubed chicken along with that bold Cajun seasoning. Let the pieces sear until golden and cooked all the way through, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now—those flavorful juices left in the pan will add even more richness to the next step!

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Pepper

With the same skillet (don’t wipe out the delicious bits), add your diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until everything is softened and fragrant. You’ll notice the base of your pasta bake start to come alive—this is where a lot of the background flavor really develops.

Step 4: Melt in the Cream Cheese

Add your softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently, allowing the heat to help it melt into the vegetables. Be patient here—this step creates the velvety body for the sauce in your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe and ensures the rich base has no lumps.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to combine and smooth out the sauce. Next, add shredded cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce looks creamy and smooth, transforming your skillet into a pot of savory gold.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss in the drained pasta. Mix everything thoroughly so each piece is coated in the sauce. Take a moment to savor the aroma—it’s everything you love about Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe in a single bowl!

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then carefully pour in your chicken and pasta mixture. Use a spatula to spread it evenly—you want every corner to have plenty of sauce and filling so it bakes up evenly bubbly all over.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and the edges are irresistibly bubbly. If you like it extra toasty, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end (just watch closely!).

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once baked, pull out your masterpiece and, if you’d like, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley as a colorful finishing touch. Serve it up while hot—this is when the cheese is at its most gooey and the flavors are boldest. Your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe with a generous shower of chopped parsley or even extra Parmesan for a bit more color and savor. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled on top is always welcome. These little additions provide pops of freshness and appeal that make your dish feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is truly hearty, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Try a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or steamed green beans. Garlic bread is an obvious classic too—the perfect vehicle for scooping up the last bits of the sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe directly in the baking dish for a cozy, family-style meal, or scoop portions into mini casserole dishes for individual servings. If you’re feeling playful, garnish with scallions, crumbled bacon, or even a dollop of sour cream for a festive twist, especially at gatherings or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a dream with this one! Once cool, cover your baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—those flavors only get more pronounced and satisfying as they rest.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and label with the date. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for another cozy dinner, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or cream if it seems dry—this brings the creamy sauce right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver here. Just toss it with the Cajun seasoning and proceed with the recipe; you’ll still get all the flavor and tenderness with even less prep.

Is there a way to make this pasta bake less spicy?

Definitely! Just reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning, or opt for a milder store-bought blend. You can also skip any additional red pepper flakes if you’re especially spice-sensitive.

What other pasta shapes work for this recipe?

Besides penne or rotini, you can try rigatoni, ziti, cavatappi, or even elbow macaroni. The key is choosing a shape that has curves or crevices to catch plenty of the creamy sauce.

Can I make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Simply assemble the bake (without cooking) up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I add vegetables or other proteins?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in spinach, mushrooms, peas, or even swap in cooked shrimp or sausage for a fun Cajun twist. It’s an incredibly versatile casserole that welcomes customization.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this comforting, crowd-pleasing Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe enough. It’s the sort of meal that brings everyone to the table with big appetites and happy smiles. If you’ve never tried the magic of Cajun cream cheese and pasta together, trust me, now’s your moment—grab a fork and dig in!

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, a hearty and comforting dish that will satisfy your cravings for a creamy pasta bake with a hint of Cajun spice.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, cook the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, cook onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until softened. Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, then add cheddar, Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until creamy.
Combine everything: Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and mix well.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Feel free to adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 590 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, Pasta Bake Recipe, Creamy Pasta Bake