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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight - Featured Image

Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: Spice Up Your Dinner Tonight

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Learn how to make delicious Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

This list may look long, but trust me, every ingredient plays a role in creating that symphony of flavors. Feel free to substitute the mozzarella with cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. As my grandmother used to say, “Cooking is about what you have, not what you lack.”

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook the chicken until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the diced bell peppers and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are softened.
  6. Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and combine with the sauce.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated with the sauce.
  9. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

As you go through these steps, remember that cooking is a dance, not a race. Enjoy the process and the aromas that fill your kitchen. It’s this joy that makes home cooking so special.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International