🔥 Hearty Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake with Cream Cheese & Mozzarella
Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly cheesy — this Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is comfort food done right! Loaded with tender chicken, spiraled pasta, and a luscious cream cheese sauce, it’s topped with bubbling mozzarella and finished with a smoky touch of paprika. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 🍗🧀🍝
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pasta bake:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 12 oz spiraled pasta (penne or rotini work best)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For garnish:
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
👩🍳 How to Make Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Add heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in ½ cup of mozzarella and all of the Parmesan. The sauce should now be thick, cheesy, and luxurious.
5. Combine and Bake
Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the creamy sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Transfer to the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top and dust with smoked paprika.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
6. Finish and Serve
Top with fresh diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy hot!
🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Bold Cajun flavor in every bite
- ✅ Creamy, cheesy sauce made with real ingredients
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully
- ✅ Great balance of protein, carbs, and comfort
📝 Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta or light cream cheese as needed.
📦 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of cream or milk if it needs loosening up.
🔥 Final Thoughts
This Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is rich, satisfying, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s a guaranteed family favorite and a dinner winner any night of the week. Cream cheese and mozzarella bring that melty, indulgent touch that makes it truly special.
Don’t forget to share or save this recipe — and tag your cheesy pasta creations with #foodaroundtheworld! 🌍🍴
