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Your NEW Weeknight Star: Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake!

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  • Prep Time: 20 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 Minutes
  • Total Time: 45 Minutes
  • Yield: 6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

How to make This Quick Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake, featuring tender chicken and creamy sauce, that will become your new family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Pasta & Protein:
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
  • Creamy Sauce Base:
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • Seasonings & Finishers:
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.
  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.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to prevent a lumpy, curdled sauce.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality.

Experiment by adding a touch of Monterey Jack or cheddar for extra meltiness, but keep cream cheese for texture.

Serve warm, straight from the oven, ideally with crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy Cajun sauce.

Prep cooked chicken and sauce a day ahead; assemble with fresh pasta just before baking for optimal texture.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten

Find it online: https://tastetrend.net/your-new-weeknight-star-quick-cajun-cream-cheese-chicken-pasta-bake/