Description
This creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake is a perfect comfort meal that combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all baked to bubbly perfection. The dish is enhanced with bold Cajun spices and fresh green onions for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook pasta: Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken breast until browned and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Make sauce: Add cream cheese, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning directly into the skillet with the chicken. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and chicken.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini if preferred.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to your spice tolerance – add more for extra heat, less for mild flavor.
- If cream cheese is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth while melting to achieve a smoother sauce.
- Leftover pasta bake can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days for convenience.
