Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all infused with a spicy Cajun kick. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh green onions, this meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken breast until browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: To the skillet with chicken, add cream cheese, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Continue stirring until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce around the chicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture until well coated.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped green onions over the top before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the sauce to avoid undercooked meat.
- The dish can be prepared in advance and baked when ready to serve.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, easy pasta bake, cheesy chicken pasta