Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

why make this recipe

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful seasoning. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, as it is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The blend of Cajun spices gives it a unique kick, while the cream cheese and heavy cream create a rich and satisfying texture. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that saves on cleanup time!

how to make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 small Onion
• 1 Parsley
• 1 Red bell pepper
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 12 oz Penne or rotini pasta
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese
• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
4. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
5. Stir in chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix in cream cheese and heavy cream, allowing it to melt and create a sauce.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken mixture.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheddar and parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Serve the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake hot from the oven. It can be enjoyed as a main dish, paired with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra parsley on top adds a nice touch.

how to store Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

tips to make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• Use rotini pasta if you want the sauce to cling better to the noodles.
• Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the Cajun seasoning.
• Make sure to sauté the vegetables until soft for the best flavor.
• You can add additional toppings like breadcrumbs or herbs before baking for extra texture.

variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the mix. For a lighter version, use a lower-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Vegetarian substitutes like tofu or chickpeas can also be used in place of chicken.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or penne.

2. Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives to make a dairy-free version of this dish.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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• Author: lamharmalmehdi25
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun seasoning, perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

• 2 Chicken breasts
• 3 cloves Garlic
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 1 Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup Chicken broth
• 12 oz Penne or rotini pasta
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, and sauté until softened.
4. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides.
5. Stir in chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix in cream cheese and heavy cream, allowing it to melt and create a sauce.
7. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken mixture.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheddar and parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, use lower-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Customize by adding vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: pasta, chicken, creamy, Cajun, bake