If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes with a bit of a spicy kick, then you are going to adore this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s a flavorful blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce infused with that signature Cajun seasoning. This dish brings so much warmth and heartiness to the table—it’s like a big bowl of happiness that’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or when you want to impress guests with something straightforward but utterly delicious. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity, yet every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that luscious texture, bold flavor, and inviting color that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed): Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The ridges and tubes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly—feel free to swap your favorite pasta shape.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, bringing depth to the base of the sauce.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic always amps up the aroma and flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: This is what makes the sauce ultra creamy and dreamy.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Enhances the richness and silky smoothness of the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, this cheese brings that classic comfort food taste.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and savory undertone.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: The star of the dish—adds that spicy, smoky, and aromatic kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy, golden topping if you want a bit of contrast.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
Start by cooking the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until just al dente. While the pasta cooks, shred or cube your cooked chicken; rotisserie chicken makes this step super easy and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. Drain the pasta and set everything aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute to release those amazing aromas that will form the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until it melts smoothly, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to combine. This mixture becomes the incredibly creamy foundation for our dish.
Step 4: Add Cheeses and Seasoning
Mix in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and well incorporated. Next, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting the spice level to your preference. The seasoning brings all the flavors together with that irresistible Cajun flair.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Now, fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the creamy sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and heated through, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and creaminess.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top to add an extra layer of crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. This step melds all the flavors and textures beautifully.
How to Serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also a fresh herbal note that balances the creamy, spicy richness. You can also add a light dusting of extra Parmesan for a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This dish stands tall on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or simple roasted asparagus are also fantastic companions that complement the creamy, spicy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins for elegant single servings. You can also layer it with sliced bell peppers or sprinkle some diced tomatoes on top before baking for added color and freshness. Either way, it’s a dish that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe has cooled completely, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for easy meals throughout the week.
Freezing
This pasta bake freezes beautifully! Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will last up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool fully before freezing to preserve its creamy texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring occasionally for even heating. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to revive that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even shell pasta would work wonderfully and provide equally delicious results.
How spicy is this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe?
The dish has a pleasant medium spice level thanks to the Cajun seasoning, but you can easily adjust it by adding more or less seasoning depending on your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It would require substitutions like dairy-free cream cheese, a plant-based cream, and vegan cheeses. The flavor will differ, but you can still create a tasty version suitable for dairy-free diets.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary, or can I use raw chicken?
You can definitely use raw chicken; just cook it thoroughly in the skillet before starting the sauce. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient time-saver that also adds extra flavor.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or chickpeas. The creamy sauce and Cajun seasoning will still make it delicious and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe enough if you’re craving something that combines comfort, spice, and creamy indulgence in one dish. It’s quick to whip up, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers the next day. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your meal rotation—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, and a spicy Cajun kick baked with penne pasta and topped with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. This comforting casserole is perfect for a wholesome family dinner and easy to customize for your spice preference.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Then add shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until cheeses are melted and sauce is well combined.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Assemble Baking Dish: Transfer the creamy chicken pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and the breadcrumbs (if used) are golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though sauce will be less rich.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crispy texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
