If you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and absolutely soul-warming, the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake will hit every comfort-food craving you’ve got. Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken coated in Cajun seasoning, tossed with pasta in a velvety cream cheese sauce, then baked until bubbling and golden.
It’s everything you love about Southern comfort food — bold flavor, rich texture, and just enough heat to make your taste buds dance. The Cajun seasoning infuses the chicken with smoky spice, while the cream cheese balances it out with creamy smoothness. Add melted mozzarella and parmesan on top, and you’ve got a bubbling masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.
This dish is hearty enough for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight comfort meals, yet elegant enough to serve guests. It’s a one-pan wonder that combines spice, cheese, and love — all in perfect harmony.
So grab your casserole dish and let’s bake up something unforgettable — this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake will make you the hero of any dinner table.
🍝 Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
💡 Pro Tip: For extra Cajun flair, use blackened chicken seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
🍗 How to Make Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Step 1 – Season & Cook the Chicken
- Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, making sure every piece is coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 5–6 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2 – Boil the Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper; sauté until soft and fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to combine.
- Add cream cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Mix in smoked paprika, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4 – Combine Chicken, Pasta & Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5 – Bake to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
✨ Optional: Add a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning or chili flakes on top for an extra kick before serving.
🧀 Variations of the Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
- Shrimp Version: Replace chicken with shrimp or sausage for a seafood-Cajun twist.
- Veggie Bake: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for a lighter version.
- Extra Creamy: Mix in ½ cup ricotta or mascarpone before baking.
- Spicy Supreme: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for fiery heat.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Top with sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a bolder cheese flavor.
🌶️ Cooking Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
- Always brown your chicken well — the seared edges build flavor into the sauce.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta before baking; it will soften more in the oven.
- The sauce thickens slightly after baking, so keep it a little loose before it goes in.
- This dish reheats beautifully — perfect for leftovers!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up that creamy sauce.
- Add a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Pair with a cool iced tea or chilled white wine (like Chardonnay).
- For a Cajun dinner theme, serve alongside cornbread or creamy coleslaw.
🎉 Party Serving Ideas
- Prepare in individual mini casseroles for elegant single servings.
- Sprinkle with green onions or red pepper flakes for presentation flair.
- Serve at potlucks or buffets in a warm slow cooker — it stays creamy for hours!
- Create a “Cajun Pasta Bar” with toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and hot sauce.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare pasta and sauce up to 24 hours ahead. Assemble and refrigerate before baking.
- Freezing: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake frozen casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta – it should be slightly firm before baking.
- Skipping cream cheese – it’s key for that smooth, velvety texture.
- Using pre-shredded cheese – it doesn’t melt as smoothly as fresh-grated.
- Not seasoning enough – Cajun dishes should be bold; don’t be shy with the spice!
- Baking uncovered too long – cheese can dry out; cover with foil halfway through if needed.
💡 Tips for Success
- Let the pasta rest 5 minutes after baking — the sauce thickens perfectly.
- Want smoky depth? Add a few drops of liquid smoke or roasted paprika.
- Stir cream cheese in gradually — it melts faster this way.
- Use a mix of dark and white chicken meat for more flavor.
- Sprinkle parsley or green onions for a fresh finish before serving.
⏰ Prep, Cook & Bake Time
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 20 minutes |
| Baking | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | ~1 hour |
🥄 Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 kcal |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Fat | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
❓ FAQs
1. Can I make this without cream cheese?
You can replace it with mascarpone or ricotta, but cream cheese gives the richest flavor.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just mix it in with the sauce before baking.
3. What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
4. Is this dish very spicy?
Not overly — Cajun seasoning adds warmth, not heat. Adjust spice with cayenne or hot sauce to taste.
5. How do I make it extra cheesy?
Add an extra ½ cup of mozzarella or layer shredded cheddar before baking.
🍲 More Comfort Food Recipes
- Creamy Baked Asiago Chicken
- Loaded Seafood Alfredo
- Southern Breakfast Enchiladas
- Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
🔗 Related Articles
- How to Cook with Cajun Seasoning – The Spruce Eats
- Baked Pasta Recipes – Delish
- Cream Cheese Pasta Tips – Taste of Home
- Cajun Chicken Dishes – Food Network
❤️ Conclusion
The Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is comfort food with a Southern kick — a creamy, cheesy, spicy masterpiece that brings warmth to every bite. The Cajun spices wake up your senses, while the cream cheese sauce wraps everything in smooth, velvety richness.
It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you want something that feels homemade and indulgent. Each forkful is packed with tender chicken, melted cheese, and pasta coated in bold Cajun flavor.
So grab your casserole dish and turn your kitchen into a little taste of Louisiana. This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake isn’t just dinner — it’s comfort, spice, and happiness baked into one irresistible dish. 🧀🔥🍗
