Ingredients for Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

• 12 ounces penne pasta: The sturdy base that holds all the delicious sauce. Al dente is key for a great pasta bake texture.
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces: The lean protein star of this Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. Dice evenly for quick, consistent cooking.
• 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened: Creates the incredibly rich, tangy, and comforting sauce foundation. Ensure it’s softened for a smooth blend.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the essential liquid base for our creamy Cajun sauce. Low sodium allows precise seasoning control.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious richness and a velvety texture to the sauce. Don’t skimp on this for ultimate creaminess.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and chicken, building the first layer of flavor. Choose a good quality extra virgin oil.
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: An essential aromatic foundation for classic Cajun flavor. Dice finely for even distribution throughout the sauce.
• 2 stalks celery, diced: Part of the “Holy Trinity,” adding subtle freshness and depth to the sauce. Dice small to blend seamlessly.
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced: Brings a touch of sweetness, vibrant color, and crucial flavor to the Cajun base. Fresh is always best.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides pungent, aromatic depth that is fundamental to almost any savory dish. Freshly mince for best flavor.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated umami and a subtle tangy sweetness, deepening the sauce’s complexity. A little goes a long way.
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low sodium): The heart and soul of the Cajun flavor profile. Adjust to your spice preference.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing the creaminess. Season incrementally and taste as you go.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a pungent kick and depth, complementing the Cajun spices beautifully. Freshly grind for superior aroma.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a delicious golden crust, adding salty, nutty notes to the bake. Freshly grate for superior melt.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: A vibrant finishing garnish that adds freshness and a pop of color. Stir in right before serving.

How to Make Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Cook Pasta & Chicken

Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

To the same skillet, add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds the flavorful base for your Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, allowing it to emulsify. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Step 4: Combine & Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld, creating a rich base.

Step 5: Prepare for Bake

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 6: Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture in the baking dish. Bake the Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve this warm and satisfying Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake immediately for pure, cozy happiness in a bowl.

How to Store Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

To store leftover Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly for up to 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long can compromise its fresh taste and safety, a mistake I’ve made. Discard if you notice any off smells or mold.

You can prepare the cooked chicken and creamy sauce components a day in advance. Keep them in separate airtight containers and refrigerate. Assemble the full bake with pasta just before cooking for the best creamy texture.

When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to maintain its creaminess. Reheat gently until warmed through.

What to Serve with Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Serve this Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake hot, straight from the oven, for maximum enjoyment. For a special touch, garnish with extra fresh parsley before serving. This rich and creamy dish is perfect paired with a simple crisp green salad to balance the flavors. Enjoy warm for optimal creaminess and comfort.

My personal favorite way to serve this bake is with warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that incredibly rich, creamy Cajun sauce. You’ll truly enjoy the complete, satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute different cheeses in this Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?

While cream cheese is key for the signature texture, you can experiment. Adding a bit of Monterey Jack or cheddar can enhance meltiness, but avoid hard, dry cheeses. Keep cream cheese for creaminess, but a touch of smoked gouda offers a unique twist.

→ How do I prevent a curdled sauce in my Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake?

Always ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before adding. Cold cream cheese will seize and curdle when introduced to hot liquids, resulting in a lumpy sauce. Whisk vigorously and slowly incorporate into the warm liquids for a smooth, creamy finish.

→ Can I make this Weeknight Cajun Pasta Bake ahead of time or freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can prep components ahead. The cooked chicken and sauce refrigerate well. Freezing the fully assembled bake can alter pasta texture, making it mushy upon reheating. Assemble the bake with fresh pasta just before baking for the best results.

→ How do I make this Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake gluten-free?

Easily! Simply use your favorite gluten-free penne pasta in place of regular pasta. All other ingredients in this Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake are naturally gluten-free. Cook gluten-free pasta according to its specific package directions, as cooking times can vary.

→ How long can I store leftover Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake in the fridge?

Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the quality and safety can decline, and the sauce might separate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency.