Name: Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: 5 Flavorful Steps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste

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Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake! This dish is a creamy, flavorful explosion of spices and cheesy goodness that warms my heart every time. The blend of zesty Cajun seasoning with tender chicken, all wrapped up in creamy pasta, is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I tried Cajun cuisine; it was like a party in my mouth! The vibrant flavors really bring a meal to life, and this pasta bake is no exception. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll want to make it a regular in your dinner rotation!

cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake - detail 1

Ingredients List

Here’s what you need to whip up this delicious Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake. Gather these ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only comforting but packed with flavor!

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your pasta bake cooks evenly all the way through, giving you that perfect creamy texture we all love!

Cook the Pasta

Next, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, be sure to drain it well and set it aside. Trust me, you don’t want soggy pasta in your bake!

Prepare the Chicken

Now, let’s get that chicken ready! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced chicken and cook it until it’s beautifully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper while it cooks to really infuse those flavors. Wow, the aroma will be fantastic!

Combine Ingredients

Here comes the fun part! Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Once that’s all combined, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and give it a good stir to coat it all in that luscious sauce. Your taste buds will be dancing!

Bake the Dish

Transfer the creamy chicken pasta mixture to a baking dish and top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it—you’ll know it’s ready when it smells absolutely divine and the cheese is melting beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights!
Packed with flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
The creamy texture is simply irresistible—you won’t be able to resist a second helping!
Great for family dinners, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Versatile enough to swap in your favorite protein or veggies; feel free to get creative!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on browning the chicken; it adds a ton of flavor. If you want an extra kick, feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste—go bold or keep it mild, it’s your choice! Also, make sure to let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps everything set up nicely. And for an extra touch, garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Nutritional Information Section

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, for a typical serving of this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake, you can expect around 400 calories, 18g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to check the labels for the most accurate information, especially if you have dietary restrictions. Enjoy your delicious meal while being mindful of the nutrition!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for this Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake, you can swap it for any pasta shape you like, such as rotini or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven! You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own blend using paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs. It’ll still give you that fantastic flavor!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the freezer for about three months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Tomato Basil Soup or Classic Chicken Noodle Soup!

Imprimer

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: 5 Flavorful Steps

Auteur: Julia marin
Temps Total: 45 minutes
Rendement: 6 servings 1x
Alimentation: Faible En Gras

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Description

A creamy and flavorful pasta bake with Cajun spices, chicken, and cream cheese.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
Add Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Mix in cream cheese, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Cook until cream cheese melts.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.