# Ultimate Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: A Creamy, Spicy Comfort Food Delight

Imagine the creamy comfort of a pasta bake infused with the bold flavors of Cajun spices, tender chicken pieces, and gooey melted cheese. The Ultimate Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or to impress your guests during casual gatherings. It’s a straightforward recipe that offers a sophisticated balance of creaminess, spice, and cheesy deliciousness, making it a must-try comfort food that will leave everyone around the table asking for seconds.

With minimal prep time and a perfect blend of spices, this one-dish wonder is family-friendly, easy to customize for dietary needs, and guaranteed to bring the wow factor to your meal rotation. Let’s dive into creating this restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen!

## Quick Recipe Highlights
– **Flavor Profile**: This dish combines creamy cheese, Cajun spice, and savory chicken for a bold yet comforting flavor.
– **Texture**: Expect a delightful contrast of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and gooey, melted cheese.
– **Aroma**: The blend of sautéed garlic, onions, Cajun seasoning, and Parmesan cheese creates a mouthwatering fragrance.
– **Visual Appeal**: With its golden-brown cheesy crust, pops of colorful bell peppers, and herb garnish, this dish is as pretty as it is delicious.
– **Skill Level Needed**: Beginner-friendly with straightforward steps that deliver maximum flavor.
– **Special Equipment**: A large skillet, mixing bowl, and 9×13-inch baking dish are all you need.

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## Recipe Overview
### **Difficulty Level**
This recipe is considered easy because it involves basic techniques like sautéing, mixing, and baking. The most challenging part is the timing of combining the sauce and pasta, which becomes second nature with practice.

### **Category**
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a complete comfort food meal. It falls under main dishes and pasta casseroles, making it ideal for dinner or a hearty lunch.

### **Cuisine**
Inspired by Cajun cuisine, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the South with a modern creamy twist. Cajun food is known for its bold spices, and this dish delivers that signature kick of cayenne, paprika, and garlic.

### **Cost**
With ingredients like chicken, pasta, and cheese, this dish is budget-friendly while yielding 6 satisfying servings. Expect to spend approximately $15-$20, depending on regional prices and pantry staples.

### **Season**
This dish suits all seasons, but its hearty and warming profile makes it especially perfect for colder months.

### **Occasion**
Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual parties. Serve it as a standalone entrée or alongside garlic bread and salad for added flair.

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## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Rich and Flavorful**: The creamy sauce perfectly balances richness with the bold spice of Cajun seasoning, offering a restaurant-worthy taste in every bite.
2. **Easily Customizable**: Adapt it for dietary needs by swapping out ingredients or reducing the spice level for sensitive palates.
3. **Family-Friendly**: Even picky eaters will love the combination of tender chicken, cheese, and smooth pasta.
4. **Prep Ahead Friendly**: You can prep the components in advance and simply assemble and bake when ready.
5. **Budget-Friendly Comfort Food**: Delicious doesn’t have to break the bank; this dish proves that simple ingredients can work magic together.

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## The Recipe

### Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

**Serves**: 6
**Prep Time**: 15 mins
**Cook Time**: 40 mins
**Total Time**: 55 mins

### Kitchen Equipment Needed
– Large skillet
– Medium saucepan
– Mixing bowl
– 9×13-inch baking dish
– Oven

### Ingredients
– **Pasta Bake**:
– 12 oz penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
– **Cream Sauce**:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– **Topping**:
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– **Seasoning**:
– Salt and pepper to taste

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### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and melt the cream cheese into the skillet, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in chicken broth and heavy cream until a smooth sauce forms.
6. Add cooked chicken to the sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Mix the creamy chicken mixture with cooked pasta. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
8. Evenly sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.

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### Pro Tips for Perfect Cajun Pasta Bake
– **Perfect Pasta**: Cook pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
– **Cajun Spice Control**: Adjust the seasoning level to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
– **Cheese Quality**: Freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality mozzarella make a big difference.
– **Make-Ahead Tip**: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if chilled.

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### Pairing Suggestions
This creamy, spicy bake pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled glass of iced tea for a Southern-inspired touch. Add a Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

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## Join the Conversation
Did you try this Ultimate Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake? Let us know in the comments below! Share your photos on social media using #CajunPastaBake, and don’t forget to tag us. Your feedback and variations inspire us!