I love a meal that hits you with creamy comfort and just enough spice to keep things interesting. This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is that kind of dish—the kind that makes you do a little happy dance after the first bite. We’re talking tender chunks of chicken swimming in a smooth, cheesy sauce with that signature Cajun kick. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form. You won’t find any fussy steps or exotic ingredients here—just good, honest food that makes weeknights feel special. Perfect for those days when you need something hearty without overthinking dinner. We’ve all been there. And let’s be real—when cream cheese and Cajun seasoning come together, you know you’re in for something pretty magical. If you’re a fan of pasta bake recipes, Chicken Meal Recipes, or just easy pasta bake recipes that stick to your ribs, this one’s for you. Trust me, comfort food recipes don’t get more soul-satisfying than this.

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
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9) Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This pasta bake is bold, creamy, and full of Cajun spice
Simple pantry ingredients come together fast for a weeknight dinner
Chicken, cream cheese, and mozzarella make a rich, cheesy base
Leftovers taste even better the next day

2) Easy Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

We’ve all had days when comfort food recipes save the evening. The kind of meal that makes everything feel better before you’ve even finished your first bite. This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake falls into that blessed category. Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor, it’s a warm-up-your-soul kind of dish that doesn’t ask much in return. Toss it together in a skillet, bake it until bubbly, and dinner’s handled.

If you’re into cajun pasta recipes, this one will check every box. I like how the seasoning doesn’t overpower the other flavors. It just gives enough warmth to play nicely with the tang of cream cheese and the melty stretch of mozzarella. And the chicken? It soaks up that sauce like it was meant to be there all along.

This recipe brings together the soul of Cajun food recipes and the simplicity of easy pasta bake recipes. You don’t need hours, just a little prep and a baking dish. I love how the edges get golden and crisp while the inside stays silky and rich. It’s the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again.

3) Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

12 oz penne pasta: Pick a pasta with curves. Penne is perfect here because the sauce clings to the edges. You could use rigatoni or fusilli too.

1 tbsp olive oil: Just enough to cook the chicken and soften the onions. Adds a little richness too.

1 lb chicken breast, diced: I prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs would work if you want a bit more fat and flavor.

1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: This is where the magic happens. Smoky, spicy, and bold—it gives the whole dish character. It’s one of my go-to spices for Chicken Meal Recipes.

1 tsp garlic powder: For that mellow, garlicky depth that fills the kitchen with that cozy, inviting aroma.

1 small onion, diced: Adds a bit of sweetness and structure to the sauce as it cooks down with the chicken.

1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds color and crunch to contrast all that creamy goodness.

1 cup chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce just enough while boosting the savory notes.

1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce feel so smooth and indulgent. Definitely not diet food, but that’s not the point here.

8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creamy, slightly tangy, and it melts beautifully into the sauce. This is the backbone of all great comfort food recipes.

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese gives the bake its gooey, stretchy texture that pulls you in for bite after bite.

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and a sharper cheese edge that balances out the creaminess.

Salt and pepper to taste: Use your judgment here. A few pinches go a long way, especially with all the other flavors playing together.

Chopped parsley for garnish: Just enough green to make it look fancy without trying too hard.

4) How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Step 1. Boil your pasta until it’s just al dente. Drain and set it aside while you get everything else going. Don’t overcook it or you’ll end up with mush after the bake.

Step 2. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced chicken, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder, and cook until it’s golden and cooked through.

Step 3. Toss in the onions and red bell peppers. Stir and cook until they soften a bit and the onions get that sweet aroma going.

Step 4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir it all gently, then add the cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 5. Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Stir everything to coat well. Fold in most of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. This part smells incredible, just warning you.

Step 6. Pour it all into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top it with the rest of the mozzarella. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until it bubbles and the top turns golden.

Step 7. Sprinkle parsley over the top and let it sit a few minutes before serving. That gives the sauce time to settle and makes the whole dish easier to scoop.

5) Tips for Making Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Start with room-temp cream cheese. It melts faster, and nobody likes little lumps in their sauce. Cut it into chunks first, and it’ll blend in more quickly.

Don’t skip salting the pasta water. I use about a tablespoon per pot. It really boosts the flavor of the noodles before they ever hit the sauce.

Want more heat? A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes in the sauce does the trick. Cajun food recipes are flexible like that. You control the fire level.

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

If I’m cooking this for company or meal prep, I like to assemble it early. Just leave off the final cheese topping until bake time. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When I reheat, I let it come to room temperature first. That helps it bake evenly. Add that final cheese layer, slide it into the oven, and you’re back in business.

This is one of those comfort food recipes that holds up really well overnight. The flavors settle in and become even richer by the next day.

7) Storing Leftover Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to four days in a tight container. I reheat mine in the microwave or in the oven with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce a bit.

If you want to freeze it, go ahead. Let it cool fully, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll last for up to three months that way. Thaw overnight before reheating.

I usually portion mine into small containers for work lunches. It microwaves like a dream and always beats cafeteria food.

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9) Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake