Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge thinking, “I need something comforting, but I don’t have three hours to become the next Food Network star,” then this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake has your name written all over it. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, it’s got a little kick of spice, and best of all—it comes together without you needing a culinary degree (or a sous chef named Jacques).

This is the kind of dish that wins weeknight dinners and potlucks. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry teenagers, yet tasty enough to impress guests when you want to look like you put in maximum effort—when really, you just stirred a few things in one skillet and slid it in the oven. Win-win.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

One pan, all the flavor. You sauté, stir, and bake in the same flow—no need to juggle a dozen dishes.
The perfect spice balance. Cajun seasoning gives this pasta its zesty character without being overwhelming. (Think cozy heat, not fire alarm.)
Creamy comfort food. That velvety sauce made with cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan? Heaven in every bite.
Crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s picky eaters or spice lovers, this dish checks the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta and Chicken:

Penne or rotini pasta
Chicken breasts, cubed
Cajun seasoning
Olive oil
Onion, diced
Red bell pepper, diced
Garlic, minced

For the Creamy Sauce:

Cream cheese, softened
Heavy cream
Chicken broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Paprika
Salt and pepper

For Garnish:

Chopped parsley (optional, but makes it look fancy!)

How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne or rotini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Toss your cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning until it’s well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet (hello, fewer dishes!), sauté the diced onion and red bell pepper for about 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and let it cook another minute.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Combine the Magic

Add the chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Stir well, then mix in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until everything is creamy, gooey, and downright irresistible.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy, then dig in immediately.

Cooking Tips for Success

Pasta choice matters. Penne and rotini hold sauce like champs, but honestly—use whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
Don’t fear the Cajun spice. Adjust seasoning to your family’s taste. (If your kids are spice-sensitive, go lighter; if you’re a spice lover, shake it on!)
Make-ahead hack. Assemble everything, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Just bake when ready, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

True story: the first time I served this, my kids licked their plates clean (literally) and asked if I could “make that cheesy pasta forever.” Now it’s my go-to when I need a dinner win without a fuss.

Creamy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake with rotini, tender chicken, and parsley garnish in a skillet. — This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is rich, cheesy, and perfectly spiced for the ultimate comfort food dinner.

FAQs About Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! Try shrimp, sausage, or even rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

Can I make this less rich?

Yes—swap half the heavy cream for milk or use reduced-fat cream cheese. Still delicious, just lighter.

What can I serve it with?

A crisp green salad or some garlic bread (because more carbs = more happiness).

Bring the Magic to Your Table

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake isn’t just dinner—it’s comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness baked into one dish. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a weekend gathering, this recipe delivers on flavor and coziness every single time.

So, grab your skillet, sprinkle that Cajun seasoning with confidence, and let this creamy pasta bake work its magic in your kitchen. Trust me, once you make it, your family will be asking for seconds before the dish even cools.

More Recipes You’ll Love After Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

If you adored the cozy spice and creamy goodness of this Cajun pasta bake, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more comfort-food favorites. Each of these recipes pairs beautifully with weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings:

Try the bold flavors of this Spicy Cajun Honey Butter Chicken Pasta if you’re craving even more Cajun flair with a buttery twist.
For a fun Italian-American spin, you’ll love the cheesy layers in this Parmesan Linguine and Garlic Butter Meatballs.
If you want something globally inspired and spicy-sweet, don’t miss my irresistible Gochujang Chicken Alfredo—it’s creamy pasta with a Korean kick.
Or, go for cozy simplicity with a homestyle classic: the Chicken Tortilla Dump Dinner, perfect when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Each of these recipes brings the same heartwarming, family-friendly feel as today’s Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake—so why not keep the comfort food journey going?