Description
Indulge in the Creamy, Spicy Delight of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. This decadent dish combines the bold, spicy essence of Cajun seasoning with the luxurious creaminess of cream cheese, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece that’s sure to captivate your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounce penne or rotini pasta
- 2 pound chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and Cajun seasoning, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
- To the skillet, add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce is velvety and the cheese is melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta, mixing everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For an even more nutrient-packed dish, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes to the pasta bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 100mg