Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and creamy casserole combining tender chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich cheese sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and mozzarella. Tossed with penne pasta and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for a hearty and comforting main course with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning, divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Cheese
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season and cook chicken: Toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the peppers have softened.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add seasoning and cheese: Mix in the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all cheese has melted evenly into the sauce.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese over the top if desired.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, try using blackened or grilled chicken instead of pan-cooked.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and baked just before serving to save time.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.
