Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a flavorful and creamy dish combining tender diced chicken seasoned with bold Cajun spices, penne pasta, and a rich cream cheese and mozzarella sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s an easy and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned, fully cooked, and tender.
- Make the Sauce: To the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Then add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until all cheeses are melted and well incorporated into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy cheesy Cajun chicken sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top of the dish is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make it lighter, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though this will affect creaminess.
