I love a dish that feels fancy but comes together fast. This bake hits both. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and full of cozy flavors. It feeds a family and warms the kitchen. If you love rich sauces, this is a creamy pasta recipe you’ll reach for again.

why make this recipe

This dish is perfect for weeknights. It uses pantry staples. The cream cheese makes the sauce silky. The Cajun seasoning gives it a gentle kick. If you want another chicken-and-pasta comfort meal, try my healthy creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a lighter twist.

how to make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients:
12 oz penne or rotini pasta, 2 chicken breasts, cubed, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 small onion, diced, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 8 oz cream cheese, softened, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, Salt and pepper to taste, Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to the package. Drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and the Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the cream cheese and stir until it melts. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine into a smooth sauce. Add the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and mix everything together. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

The sauce here is similar to what I use in my creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta, but with a Cajun twist.

how to serve Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Serve this hot from the oven. A simple green salad pairs well. I love crusty bread on the side. It also makes a great meal for potlucks. For a fun pairing, I like to add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

how to store Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Let it cool to room temperature first. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave single servings. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating if the sauce seems thick.

tips to make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Use room-temperature cream cheese so it melts easily. Don’t overcook the pasta. Cook it just shy of al dente. The bake will finish the cooking. Taste the sauce before baking and adjust salt and Cajun seasoning. If you want seafood instead, try my creamy shrimp scampi pasta bake for a similar creamy, comforting dish.

variation (if any)

Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time. Add broccoli or spinach for extra veggies. Use smoked sausage for a heartier version. For a one-pan shortcut, see my take on a one-pan creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli pasta and adapt the seasonings.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Penne or rotini hold the sauce well. You can use shells or rigatoni too. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble everything and refrigerate. Bake within 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

Q: Is this very spicy?
A: No. It has a warm Cajun kick, not heat for heat’s sake. Reduce the Cajun seasoning if you want milder flavors. You can always add more at the table.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest