Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is one of those comforting, flavorful casseroles I love making when I want a spicy, creamy, and cheesy meal all in one dish. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce spiced with Cajun seasoning come together perfectly baked with a golden cheese topping. It’s easy to prepare and always a hit whether for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it’s hearty yet balanced, with the bold Cajun spices adding just the right kick without overpowering the creamy, cheesy base. It’s a complete meal in a single dish that reheats beautifully, making leftovers just as tasty. Plus, it’s versatile—I often add veggies or swap cheeses to keep things interesting.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)

• Cream cheese (softened)

• Heavy cream or half-and-half

• Cajun seasoning

• Garlic (minced)

• Onion (diced)

• Bell peppers (diced, optional)

• Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

directions

1. I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.

2. I cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.

3. In a skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.

4. I add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

5. I reduce the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.

6. I combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture, mixing thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

7. I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.

8. I bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden crust.

9. I garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 to 6 people. Prep and cooking take about 15–20 minutes, with 20–25 minutes baking time, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Variations

I sometimes add cooked sausage or swap chicken for shrimp for a different protein twist. For extra veggies, I toss in spinach or mushrooms. Using pepper jack cheese gives it a spicier flavor, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top adds depth.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. I reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and speeds up prep time.

What type of pasta works best?

I prefer short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni that hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I’ve substituted cream cheese and cream with dairy-free alternatives, but the texture and flavor change slightly.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat depends on the Cajun seasoning brand. I adjust the amount to suit my spice preference.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, but I recommend freezing before baking. Thaw overnight and bake until hot and bubbly.

Conclusion

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a deliciously creamy, spicy, and comforting meal I turn to whenever I want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and bold Cajun flavors never fails to satisfy and impress.