Description

A creamy, spicy, and cheesy pasta bake featuring tender chicken breasts, cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning, perfect for quick and comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 small onion, diced (about 100g)
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: 1 cup diced bell peppers, 2 cups chopped spinach, 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon

Instructions

Fill a large pot with water, add a tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, removing about 2 minutes before al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion softens. If using bell peppers or spinach, add now and cook until wilted or softened.
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in Cajun seasoning and cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add chunks of softened cream cheese and stir constantly until melted and sauce is thick and velvety, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove skillet from heat and stir in half the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Add cooked pasta and toss gently to coat with sauce.
Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top.
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta before baking; it will finish cooking in the oven. Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid clumps. Toast Cajun seasoning in oil for deeper flavor. Mix cheddar with mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Add panko breadcrumbs with melted butter on top for a crispy topping. Let bake rest before serving to thicken sauce. Adjust sauce thickness with broth or cream cheese as needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6th of the cassero
Calories: 480
Sodium: 550
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 2
Protein: 35

Keywords: Cajun, chicken, pasta bake, creamy, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, cheesy, spicy