Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, all baked together with a spicy Cajun twist. Perfect for a cozy dinner or potluck!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Mix until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more Cajun seasoning or including crushed red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta bake, comfort food