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Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake recipe in a golden bubbly

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Cajun spice, this one-pan pasta bake comes together in 45 minutes and feeds a crowd.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta cook to al dente only
  • 2 chicken breasts cubed
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 8 oz cream cheese fully softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream full-fat recommended
  • 1 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese freshly shredded for best melt
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • oven
  • Large pot for boiling pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. Cook penne or rotini in well-salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, letting pieces sit undisturbed for a couple minutes to develop a crust. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, saute diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in softened cream cheese until fully melted. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring steadily to form a smooth sauce.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.
  7. Return browned chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Fold together gently until everything is evenly coated.
  8. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  9. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.

Notes

Cook pasta to al dente only - it finishes in the oven. Soften cream cheese fully for a smooth sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low when building the sauce to prevent breaking. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate unbaked.
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