Description
A comforting pasta bake with Cajun-seasoned chicken, cream cheese, and a bubbly cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed (about 1 lb / 450 g)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (227 g)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1 cup chicken broth (240 ml)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 113 g)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce heat to low; add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it begins to melt and combine with the vegetables.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Add the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold in the drained pasta, mixing until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Transfer the pasta-chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheddar and Parmesan on top if desired.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a browner top if desired.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Assemble ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier melting.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 47g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g
- Cholesterol: 150mg