Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake is a flavorful and creamy casserole that brings a little Louisiana spice to your dinner table. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, a rich cream cheese sauce, and bold Cajun seasoning, this dish is baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and creamy: Cajun spices add a kick to the rich cream cheese sauce.
- One-dish meal: Simple to prepare and easy to serve.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables.
- Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for an easy next-day meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- Cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is great)
- Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- Sliced green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Bell peppers, diced
- Sliced andouille sausage
- Spinach or kale
Directions

Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Make the cream cheese sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add seasoning:
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
Assemble the Bake:
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the dish:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish and enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions or parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Seafood twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a seafood Cajun bake.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze the unbaked pasta dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Gouda would work well in this recipe.
2. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
Make your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
4. Can I use raw chicken?
Yes, cook the chicken in the skillet with the sauce until fully cooked before adding the pasta.
5. What type of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce well.
6. How do I make it less spicy?
Use less Cajun seasoning and skip additional spices like cayenne pepper.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
8. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure the sauce fully coats the pasta before baking, and cover the dish with foil if needed.
9. Can I add bacon?
Yes, crispy bacon pieces make a delicious addition to this dish.
10. What pairs well with this pasta bake?
Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful casserole that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Loaded with Cajun-inspired spices, tender chicken, and melty cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and enjoy a bold and satisfying meal!
PrintCajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a creamy, spicy, and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. Tender pasta is coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with a Cajun kick, tossed with seasoned chicken, and baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
For the Sauce:
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken:
- Toss the cooked chicken with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic, bell pepper, and onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, whisking until combined.
- Mix in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and seasoned chicken to the sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or substitute with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.