If you’re craving a rich, creamy, and boldly spiced pasta dish, this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect recipe for you. Tender, seasoned chicken is tossed with pasta in a creamy, cheesy Cajun sauce, then baked to perfection for a deliciously comforting meal.
With its perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and cheesiness, this easy-to-make pasta bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions when you want something indulgent yet effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pan Convenience – Everything bakes together for minimal cleanup.
✔️ Rich & Creamy – The cream cheese makes the sauce ultra-luscious.
✔️ Bold Cajun Flavors – A perfect mix of spice, smokiness, and cheesy goodness.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for leftovers.
✔️ Customizable – Add shrimp, sausage, or veggies for a unique twist!
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta Bake:
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- 120ml (1/2 cup) chicken broth
- 250g (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 100g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than package instructions (it will continue cooking in the oven).
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Cajun Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Toss the cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers until soft (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in smoked paprika and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, mixing well.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella until melted.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, Cajun chicken, and creamy sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
- Sodium: ~850mg
Tips & Variations
✅ Make it Spicier – Add more Cajun seasoning or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
✅ Use Different Proteins – Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or a mix of both.
✅ Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes add great flavor.
✅ Swap the Pasta – Try gluten-free pasta or whole wheat for a healthier twist.
✅ Make it Lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or reduce the cheese.
What to Serve with Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
🥗 Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini pair well.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A light Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy, spicy flavors.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
🕒 Make Ahead: Assemble the pasta bake, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
❄️ Freezing: Store unbaked pasta in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
🔥 Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.