Description
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake brings spicy comfort straight to your dinner table with zero fuss. Creamy, cheesy goodness meets zesty Cajun seasoning in a one-pan wonder that’ll have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat your oven to precisely 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- Cook 8 oz penne pasta in boiling water according to package directions. Drain completely and set aside.
- Whisk 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup chicken broth and 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
- Fold 2 cups shredded chicken and 1 cup diced tomatoes into the cream cheese blend, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently incorporate the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, stirring carefully to coat each noodle.
- Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavors.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup sliced green onions across the top of the dish.
- Bake for exactly 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary needs.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving shortcut when preparing this dish.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning amount based on your personal heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more if needed.
- Prepare the pasta and chicken mixture ahead of time, then refrigerate and bake just before serving for an easy make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 465 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg