Print

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake - featured image
Print Recipe

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is a bold, comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and penne pasta tossed in a homemade Cajun cream sauce, then baked to cheesy perfection. It’s easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (about 3/4 of a standard box)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie recommended)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than package directions (about 8-9 minutes), until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers; sauté for 3-4 minutes until just starting to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Stir in cooked chicken and Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking to combine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  6. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted. Taste and add salt or pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
  7. In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, chicken-veggie mixture, and creamy sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Add extra Parmesan if desired for a crispier top.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly around the edges. If the cheese browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven. Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melt and flavor. Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste, as blends vary in saltiness and heat. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check your Cajun seasoning. Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cajun chicken pasta bake, creamy pasta bake, weeknight dinner, chicken casserole, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy pasta bake, family dinner, meal prep, spicy pasta

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-cajun-chicken-pasta-bake-recipe-easy-weeknight-dinner/