Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is the kind of dish that makes dinnertime legendary! Imagine juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a rich cream cheese sauce bubbling away under a golden crown of melted cheese.

Every bite bursts with savory, smoky heat and creamy comfort—the flavors are bold, the texture melt-in-your-mouth. It's a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.

Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy dish for a family potluck, this pasta bake comes together fast and disappears even faster. Inspired by the flavors of Louisiana, it’s a guaranteed hit for any table!

I first whipped this up on a busy Tuesday and now it’s a family staple—give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a new favorite for you too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-creamy and cheesy with a spicy Cajun kick that wakes up your taste buds!
• Quick to assemble—perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep.
• Satisfies even picky eaters; it's a true comfort food classic.
• Versatile—easy to swap in different proteins or veggies based on what you have.

Key Ingredients for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cajun Seasoning

This bold blend is the heart and soul of the recipe, infusing every bite with smoky, garlicky heat. Use your favorite store-bought Cajun mix, or make your own for a personal touch. If you're sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. In a pinch, you can substitute Creole seasoning or even a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for a milder flavor.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese transforms the sauce into something luxuriously smooth and tangy, making this pasta bake irresistibly creamy. Cut it into small cubes so it melts evenly into the hot mixture. For a lighter version, you can try low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly affect the texture.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is lean, hearty, and soaks up the Cajun flavor beautifully. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and maximum spice coverage. If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work and yield a juicier bite.

Pasta

A sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni is ideal—they hold the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny. Cook until just al dente, as it will finish baking in the oven. Feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta for dietary needs or rotini for extra texture.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar and mozzarella combine for melty, gooey topping perfection. Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch. Pepper Jack can add an extra kick, or swap in Colby for a milder finish.

Instructions for Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook just until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than the package directs. Drain and set aside. Drizzling with a little olive oil can help prevent sticking.

Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese cubes to the skillet with the veggies, stirring until mostly melted. Pour in milk and chicken broth gradually, whisking until a smooth sauce forms. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Assemble

Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything until well coated with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top evenly with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 18-22 minutes, or until cheese is melted, golden, and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with sliced green onions before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Recipe Variations

Swap the Protein

Not a fan of chicken? Use shrimp for a classic Cajun twist—just sauté them briefly until pink. Alternatively, cooked and sliced Andouille sausage adds a smoky kick and extra flavor.

Go Veggie

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted cauliflower. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with almost any vegetable combo.

Make It Gluten-Free

Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta (like chickpea or brown rice varieties) for the penne, making sure to cook until just al dente so it holds up during baking.

Lighten It Up

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat milk for a lighter bake. You can also cut back on the cheese topping if you’re watching calories—the sauce will still be ultra-creamy!

Extra Heat

Love things fiery? Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or swap in Pepper Jack cheese for even more zest.

Serving Suggestions

Round out your Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake with a side of crisp garlic bread and a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Garnish each serving with fresh green onions, a touch more Cajun seasoning, or a sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch. Steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans also make great accompaniments!

Storage and Reheating

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave with a splash of milk or water (to prevent drying out) and cover—heat in 1-minute bursts until steaming. You can also reheat the whole bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the whole casserole a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.

Q: Is there a way to make this less spicy?
A: Yes—use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild variety. You can also add more cream cheese or milk to mellow out the heat.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape for this bake?
A: Penne or rigatoni are ideal since their tubes hold lots of sauce, but rotini or ziti work great too. Avoid thin, delicate shapes that might fall apart in the bake.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Definitely. Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole well wrapped. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

You’re going to love how easy and crave-worthy this Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe is! It’s the full package: creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and a total family favorite. Give it a try this week—then let me know in the comments how it went, or rate the recipe below!