Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Bake combines penne pasta, diced chicken, and cajun seasoning in a creamy dish baked to perfection, making it a filling and practical dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne pasta Dry
- 1.5 lb Diced chicken Boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Or to taste
- 1 large Bell peppers Diced
- 1.5 cups Heavy cream
- 4 oz Cream cheese Softened
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded or thinly sliced
- Salt To taste after adding sauces and cheese
- 1 tablespoon Neutral cooking oil As needed
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until just under al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, cook the diced chicken and bell peppers together with cajun spices until the chicken is fully cooked and the peppers are tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth, then add it to the chicken and pepper mixture. Toss everything together until well combined.
- Mix in the cooked penne pasta, ensuring every noodle is coated in the creamy mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and continue baking as necessary until the center is hot and the edges are bubbling. If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Warm dairy gently and stir until smooth to prevent separation. Reserve some cheese for the topping. Taste the cooked filling before adjusting the seasoning, as bottled sauces and cheeses vary in salt content.