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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

A rich and spicy comfort dish featuring tender chicken and rotini pasta tossed in a velvety cream cheese Cajun sauce, topped with melted mozzarella.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Pasta
  • 16 oz rotini pasta or fusilli
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning for chicken
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
Sauce & Topping
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temp
  • 2 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning for sauce
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • 9x13 Baking Dish (optional)
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  3. Toss chicken cubes with 1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika.
  4. Sear chicken in a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat until browned. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter with remaining oil. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft (5 mins). Add garlic and cook 1 min.
  6. Deglaze with chicken broth. Add cream cheese and remaining Cajun seasoning. Whisk until melted and smooth.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 mins. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  8. Return pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
  9. Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the sauce.