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
Scale
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.
