Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Weeknight Comfort for Busy Parents

This dish is creamy, a little spicy, and very comforting. Tender shredded chicken mixes with soft pasta in a velvety cream-cheese sauce and a bright hit of bell pepper and onion. It’s special because the Cajun seasoning wakes up simple pantry ingredients into something everyone asks for seconds of. This dish will make your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day.

Top reasons to make it: it’s quick to pull together, feeds a family, and uses easy pantry staples.

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is rich, creamy, and just spicy enough. The cream cheese makes the sauce silky while the Cajun seasoning gives it a warm, smoky kick. It’s great when you want a filling meal without fuss.

Why make it:

• It’s fast to assemble.
• Uses cooked chicken and pantry pasta.
• Great for leftovers and lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30–40 minutes
• Made with pantry staples and simple fresh veggies
• Family-friendly comfort food with a flavor boost
• Easy to double for meal prep

Ingredients for the Bake

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini), cooked al dente
• 1 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Step-by-Step Instructions of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any brown bits.
7. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into a smooth sauce.
8. Mix in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
10. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
11. Let rest 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.

Tips for Success

• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta aim for slightly firm (al dente) since it will bake more.
• Taste the sauce before baking and adjust seasoning; Cajun mixes vary in saltiness.
• Shred warm chicken easily by pulling with two forks.

Substitutions & Variations of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free shredded cheese, and a plant-based chicken substitute or extra beans. Use gluten-free pasta.
• Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta and confirm your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.

Variations:

• Add a can of drained corn or black beans for color and fiber.
• Stir in chopped spinach for extra greens.
• Swap smoked paprika for part of the Cajun mix for a milder smoky flavor.
• If you like sweet-salty contrasts, top with a few pickled jalapeños.

If you enjoy cream-cheese twists in recipes, check out this playful take on breakfast: Oreo Pancakes with Cream Cheese Drizzle.

Storage Instructions of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until hot.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.

Make-Ahead: Prepare the pasta mixture and place in the baking dish, covered, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese topping right before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds flavor.

Can I make this less spicy?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning to 1 teaspoon or use half Cajun and half paprika.

Can I use milk instead of chicken broth?
You can use milk, but reduce the cream cheese slightly and watch the sauce thickness. Broth gives better depth.

Final Toughts

If you want a comforting, quick dinner that feels homemade and a little special, make this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. It combines creamy texture with bold Cajun flavor and uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Give it a try, then come back and tell me how it turned out leave a comment and a star rating so others can find this cozy weeknight favorite.

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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A creamy and spicy pasta bake featuring tender shredded chicken and a velvety cream cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini), cooked al dente
• 1 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any brown bits.
7. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts into a smooth sauce.
8. Mix in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
10. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce. Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for slightly firm (al dente) as it will bake more.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: None