Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe (Bold & Easy)

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the cozy weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed—until now. Creamy, spicy, and full of personality, this easy pasta bake is the culinary equivalent of your favorite fuzzy blanket. We’re talking golden-baked cheese on top, tender Cajun-spiced chicken throughout, and a cream cheese sauce that clings to every noodle like it’s giving them a warm hug.

And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet and a baking dish—no need to bust out your entire kitchen for this one. Whether you’re juggling work, school pickups, or simply fighting off “what’s for dinner?” brain fog, this dish has your back. It’s packed with flavor, but still accessible—even if your spice tolerance caps at “mild salsa.” Let’s get into why Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake should be on your table tonight.

Table of Contents

What is Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a baked pasta dish that combines tender chunks of chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, a creamy, cheesy sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and two types of shredded cheese, plus sautéed bell peppers, onion, and garlic for depth. Everything gets tossed with cooked pasta—like penne or rotini—and baked until golden and bubbly.

It’s a fusion of Southern heat and cheesy comfort food vibes that somehow feels indulgent and nourishing at the same time. The cream cheese mellows the Cajun kick just enough to keep things cozy, while still giving your taste buds something to talk about. If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that lands somewhere between spicy mac and cheese and a creamy chicken skillet—you’ve just found it.

Reasons to Try Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

If your dinner rotation feels stuck on repeat, Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake might just be the shake-up you need. First, it’s a flavor bomb—but not in an overpowering way. The Cajun spices bring that smoky, peppery kick, while the cream cheese adds a rich balance that even picky eaters tend to love. Second, it’s practical.

This is a one-skillet-and-a-casserole-dish kind of meal, which means less cleanup and more time to catch up on your favorite show (or let’s be real—just sit down for once). And third, it’s customizable. Want to sneak in spinach or swap cheddar for mozzarella? Go for it. It’s also perfect for meal prepping, freezing well and reheating like a dream. In short, it’s got weeknight win written all over it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (or more if you like it spicy)
• 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)

Instructions to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake doesn’t require a culinary degree—just a little patience, a big skillet, and a hungry crowd. Below is your complete step-by-step guide that breaks down each stage so it’s easy, approachable, and (dare we say) kind of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just trying to feed the family without starting a fire, this section has your back.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Until Just Al Dente

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta—penne or rotini work best—and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook while baking, and you don’t want it turning mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Tip: If you’re wondering how much salt to add, think of the water tasting like the sea. It’s your first chance to build flavor! For more pasta cooking tips, check out our Easy Baked Spaghetti recipe.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken with Cajun Seasoning

While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breasts and sprinkle them with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through on the inside.

This is where the bold, smoky flavor of this dish starts to shine, thanks to that Cajun spice blend. If your family likes extra heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper here. Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and keep it warm.

Need a quick protein swap? Check out our Maple Dijon Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls for more chicken-based meal ideas.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Don’t wash the skillet—those flavorful bits left from the chicken are gold. In the same pan, add your diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes until the vegetables soften and your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

This step builds the base for your creamy sauce and helps balance the spice with a little natural sweetness from the peppers and onions. If you love veggie-forward dishes, try tossing in some mushrooms or spinach here for extra color and nutrients.

Want to learn more about layering flavor with aromatics? Take a peek at our High Protein Chicken Orzo for more inspiration.

Step 4: Melt the Cream Cheese and Start the Sauce

Next, reduce the heat slightly and stir in the softened cream cheese. It might look a little lumpy at first—don’t panic! Keep stirring gently until the cream cheese softens and begins to melt into the vegetables.

Then, slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking or stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. This is the heart of the dish—rich, velvety, and just the right amount of indulgent.

If you’re watching calories or fat, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. You can find more lightened-up substitutions in our Healthy Hobo Casserole.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses and Seasonings

Once your sauce is silky, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Give it a taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.

As the cheeses melt, your sauce will thicken and take on a creamy, dreamy consistency that’s hard to resist. If you prefer a more gooey, melty finish, you can sub in mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.

This would be a good moment to remind yourself: Yes, this is worth every bite.

Step 6: Combine the Chicken and Pasta

Now bring it all together. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then stir in your drained pasta. Mix everything until every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious, cheesy Cajun cream sauce.

If your skillet’s getting full, you’re doing it right. This is where the magic happens—the spicy chicken, the tender pasta, the creamy sauce—all hugging each other in one beautiful mess.

Looking for another comforting mash-up like this? Don’t miss our reader favorite Creamy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti Casserole.

Step 7: Transfer to a Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly with a spatula. If you’re feeling extra, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top—it’ll create a golden, bubbly crust that’s practically irresistible.

If you’re prepping ahead, this is the perfect point to stop and refrigerate the dish for later. Just add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time when cooking from cold.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and golden brown around the edges. The kitchen will smell like something straight out of a Southern comfort cookbook—because it basically is.

Pro Tip: Want a crispy top? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—just don’t walk away. Cheese has a sneaky way of going from golden to burned real fast.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes (trust us, it’s lava-hot). Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy—it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances all that creamy goodness.

Then serve it up hot, and watch the smiles roll in. Leftovers? You won’t have any. But if you do, they reheat like a charm. Learn how in our storage and reheating tips section.

What to Serve with Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

This dish is already a meal on its own, but a little something green never hurt anybody. Try a crisp Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts for contrast. Garlic bread or Texas toast also pair beautifully—because let’s be honest, you’ll want something to mop up that sauce. If you’re feeding a crowd, you could add a lighter option like a Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup or a refreshing cucumber salad. And if it’s a special occasion, a simple lemony dessert or even a scoop of gelato will close things out like a pro.

Key Tips for Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Use softened cream cheese for easy melting—cold cream cheese is a mood killer. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should still have a little bite before baking. Taste your Cajun seasoning ahead of time—they vary in heat, and you can always add spice later but you can’t undo it. Want to lighten it up? Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch—just season it with a little extra Cajun spice while warming. And if you want a crunchier top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with butter over the cheese before baking.

Storage and Reheating Tips Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Let the pasta cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. For oven reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until hot. It reheats surprisingly well—some folks even say it tastes better the next day.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, refrigerate, then bake when ready. Just add 5–10 extra minutes of bake time if cold.

Can I use a different protein?
Yep. Shrimp, sausage, or even leftover turkey all work beautifully with the Cajun cream sauce.

Is it very spicy?
Not overly—but you control the heat. Want more fire? Add cayenne or hot sauce. Prefer milder? Cut the Cajun seasoning in half.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and check your Cajun seasoning label to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the kind of recipe that turns a Tuesday night into a small celebration. It hits that magic spot between creamy comfort and zesty flavor, all while being easy enough to make in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry spouses, or just treating yourself, this one’s a crowd-pleaser every time. And if you’re on the hunt for more bold, hearty dinners, don’t miss our Pappadeaux Mardi Gras Pasta or Easy Chicken Tetrazzini for another round of pasta love.

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