If you’re looking for a dish that brings together creamy indulgence with a bold Cajun kick, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that’s just bursting with southern flair. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something comforting and flavorful, this bake really hits every note and feels like a big, warm hug on your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in making this dish the star it is. From the punchy Cajun seasoning that spices up the chicken, to the creamy cheeses that make the sauce irresistibly smooth, everything works in harmony to create a pasta bake that’s both rich and exciting.
- Chicken breasts (2, diced): Tender white meat that soaks up Cajun spices perfectly for that flavorful protein base.
- Cajun seasoning (2 tbsp): The magic spice blend that adds smokiness, heat, and a touch of paprika warmth.
- Penne pasta (8 oz): The ideal pasta shape to catch every bit of creamy sauce and melted cheese.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Used for cooking the chicken and giving that nice golden sear and flavor buildup.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Creates that velvety, dreamy texture in the sauce and balances out the spice.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds richness and makes the sauce wonderfully luscious.
- Mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Melted cheese that provides gooey, chewy pockets in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sharp and nutty, it elevates the flavor and gives the top a golden crust.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): Freshness and a slight crunch to brighten the final dish.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to make sure your pasta bake doesn’t stick. This step primes everything for baking and ensures an easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside — this pasta is going to soak up all the saucy goodness soon, so getting the texture right is key.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and generously sprinkle on the Cajun seasoning. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through inside. This step infuses the chicken with that signature Cajun flavor that makes this recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
Reduce the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken. Carefully stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and rich. Then add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a decadent cheesy sauce that clings to every noodle.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the cooked penne pasta into the skillet and toss everything together to evenly coat all the pasta with that lush creamy sauce. This combination creates a harmony of textures and flavors that anticipates the bake to come.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish and pop it in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown, bubbly, and just begging to be devoured. This final bake melds the flavors beautifully and adds a delightful crust.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top. They add a fresh pop of color and a slight crunch that balances the creamy richness.
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions is a classic choice, but you can also sprinkle fresh parsley or a light dusting of smoked paprika for even more color and a subtle smoky note. Feel free to add a drizzle of hot sauce if you’re craving an extra kick.
Side Dishes
This creamy, spicy pasta bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables or garlicky sautéed greens also provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the dish, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this bake family-style straight from the casserole dish for a cozy, shareable meal experience. Or for a fun twist, portion it into individual ramekins and bake — it makes the dish feel special for guests or a weeknight dinner with flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes almost as good reheated, making it an excellent option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta bake either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through. If freezing leftovers after baking, place them in a suitable container and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered to retain moisture, or warm larger servings in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. You may want to add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding onto what’s basically a creamy sauce, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle depending on what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking times.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The Cajun seasoning gives a moderate level of heat with a lovely smoky, paprika-forward flavor. If you prefer it milder, use less seasoning or seek out a milder Cajun blend.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe holds up wonderfully for meal prep, especially if you store portions separately and reheat as needed. Just add fresh garnishes at serving time to keep things vibrant.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replacing the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives could work, but the texture and flavor will differ. You might want to experiment carefully to keep that creamy, cheesy feel.
What can I add to make this recipe more vegetable-rich?
Add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms while cooking the chicken to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor. These additions pair great with the Cajun spices and creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels comforting without ever being boring. From the tender chicken to the irresistible cheese sauce with just the right amount of spice, it’s a dish that invites you to dig in and savor every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be one of those recipes you reach for time and again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this deliciously creamy, flavorful pasta bake — it’s pure magic!
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake combines tender diced chicken seasoned with zesty Cajun spices with a rich, creamy cheese sauce tossed with penne pasta, all baked to bubbly golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that balances smoky spice and cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce and Cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the pasta later.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside for combining.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over it. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the chicken pieces are browned and fully cooked through.
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Next, add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt and incorporate into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the cheesy chicken sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top has turned golden brown and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked pasta from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh finish, and serve warm.
Notes
- Make sure to fully cook the chicken before adding the cream cheese to ensure food safety.
- You can substitute penne with any other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.