Description
A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Cajun-inspired pasta bake that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the cream cheese until melted and combined.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to create a smooth sauce.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese has melted.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the drained pasta, and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.