Casserole

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake – easy chicken recipes

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a bold and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy chicken recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Packed with quick and easy recipes flair, it’s one of those easy recipes for dinner that uses rotisserie chicken or fresh chicken, and comes together in a snap. It also fits into your rotation of air fryer easy recipes and even your sweet easy recipes when you’re craving savory comfort food with a kick!

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Table of Contents

  • 1) Key Takeaways
  • 2) Easy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
  • 3) Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
  • 4) How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
  • 5) Tips for Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
  • 6) Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Ahead of Time
  • 7) Storing Leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
  • 8) Try these Casserole recipes next!
  • 9) Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe
  • 10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

  • Bold Cajun flavors meet creamy cheese in this comforting pasta bake.
  • Great for meal prep and perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
  • Pairs well with side salads, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
  • You can use fresh or rotisserie chicken to save time.

2) Easy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This easy chicken recipe is a weeknight dinner lifesaver that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with the perfect kick of Cajun spice. It’s ideal for anyone looking for quick and easy recipes that deliver restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of home. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will satisfy everyone at the table. With tender chicken, rotini or penne pasta, and rich layers of cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, this pasta bake is the epitome of comfort food. You can use fresh chicken or make it even faster with rotisserie chicken—one of the best easy recipes with rotisserie chicken you’ll try. As someone who loves hearty, filling meals that are also simple to prepare, I, Elena from Elena Cooks (https://www.elenacooks.com), find this dish checks every box. It’s no wonder it’s become one of my favorite easy chicken recipes to make.

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3) Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces. They provide lean protein and soak up all that Cajun seasoning perfectly.

Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil is all you need to sauté the chicken to golden, juicy perfection. It adds richness and helps the seasoning stick.

Pasta: Choose penne or rotini pasta—they hold sauces well and provide that perfect bite in every forkful. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.

Cajun Seasoning: This is where the flavor magic happens. It adds a smoky, spicy edge that gives the whole dish a bold kick without being overwhelming.

Cream Cheese: Soften the cream cheese before mixing. It brings luxurious creaminess that balances the Cajun spice beautifully.

Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings that classic, melty texture and a mild sharpness that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth. Use freshly grated for the best results—it makes all the difference in flavor!

Milk: Thins the cheese mixture so it evenly coats the pasta and chicken, keeping everything creamy, not clumpy.

Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and contributes to the creamy consistency. It also helps mellow out the spice for balanced flavor.

Salt and Pepper: Always taste and adjust your seasoning. A pinch of each rounds out the other bold flavors in the bake.

Green Onions (Optional): A fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that adds contrast to the creamy richness of the dish.

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4) How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions, drain it well, and set it aside. Cooking the pasta al dente is key for maintaining the right texture once it’s baked—nobody wants a mushy pasta bake. This step only takes about 10 minutes but sets the foundation for an easy chicken recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

Step 2: While the pasta is boiling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and slightly browned on the edges. This process usually takes 5–7 minutes and locks in flavor. Using rotisserie chicken? Skip this step and stir the seasoning directly into the cream cheese mixture.

Step 3: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth. This mixture is your creamy base, and it’s the heart of what makes this dish one of those ultimate easy dinner recipes. Don’t skip the sour cream—it adds that tangy finish that makes the Cajun flavors pop!

Step 4: Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the cheese mixture and gently fold it all until every bite is coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing out the top so it bakes evenly. This is a great moment to sneak in a few extra shreds of cheddar or a dusting of Cajun spice if you love heat.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when you see the cheese bubbling at the edges and smell that spicy, cheesy aroma filling your kitchen. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to set. Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness!

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5) Tips for Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Want to make this easy chicken recipe even easier? Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to shave 10 minutes off your prep time. If you’re cooking from scratch, season your chicken generously with Cajun spice and avoid overcrowding your skillet—this ensures a nice sear on every piece. For a more intense Cajun flavor, mix a bit of the seasoning into the cheese sauce too. Using low-fat versions of sour cream or cream cheese? That’s fine, just note the sauce might be slightly less creamy. Finally, for a t…

6) Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Ahead of Time

This dish is ideal for meal prepping because it reheats like a dream. Prepare everything up until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it into the oven. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. It’s also freezer-friendly: wrap it in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. Easy chicken recipes like this are a game changer for…

7) Storing Leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

To store leftovers, transfer the pasta bake into an airtight container once it cools completely. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or cream can help bring back the original creamy consistency. For longer storage, portion leftovers into individual freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to grab a serving whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting. Quick and easy recipes like this one are perfect for busy wee…

8) Try these Casserole recipes next!

9) Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake – easy chicken recipes

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a bold and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy chicken recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Packed with quick and easy recipes flair, it’s one of those easy recipes for dinner that uses rotisserie chicken or fresh chicken, and comes together in a snap. It also fits into your rotation of air fryer easy recipes and even your sweet easy recipes when you’re craving savory comfort food with a kick!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Casserole
Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer easy recipes, easy chicken recipes, easy dinner recipes, easy recipes for dinner, easy recipes with rotisserie chicken, quick and easy recipes, sweet easy recipes
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 2–3 chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook diced chicken with Cajun seasoning until fully cooked.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, milk, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
  5. Add cooked pasta and chicken into the bowl and stir to coat evenly.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve hot.

10) Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish | Calories: 522 | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 712mg | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 28g | Cholesterol: 95mg

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