Description

This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a bold, creamy, and comforting one-pan dinner packed with tender chicken, smoky spices, rich cream cheese, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Baked to perfection, it’s the ultimate cheesy, spicy, and satisfying weeknight meal your whole family will crave!

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Blend:

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Main Ingredients:

2 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tbsp butter
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for topping before baking)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned. Sprinkle with the Cajun spice blend and stir to coat evenly.
Add Aromatics:
Stir in diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add Pasta & Liquids:
Add uncooked penne, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a light simmer.
Simmer:
Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta begins to soften.
Add Cream Cheese:
Stir in cream cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Season to taste with salt or pepper if needed.
Bake:
If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Serve:
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and using veggie broth.

Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies.

For extra heat, increase cayenne or add red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Casserole, Pasta
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: Cajun-American