Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake! This dish is the ultimate cozy meal that brings a little kick of spice and a whole lot of creaminess to your dinner table. I’m talking about tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious cream cheese sauce that just sings with Cajun flavor. It’s a family favorite because it’s not just delicious; it’s easy to whip up after a long day. The kids absolutely love it, and I know that if they’re happy, I’m happy! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies if you want to jazz it up a bit. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll be on your dinner rotation for sure!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh, your choice)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (for a fresh finish)
How to Prepare Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake
Now, let’s get cooking! This Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake comes together in just a few simple steps, and I promise it’s worth every minute. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure we have a nice, hot oven ready for our bake.
- While that’s heating up, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain it and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water just in case you need to loosen up the sauce later!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced chicken. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to add the star ingredients! Stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes. Keep stirring until everything is mixed together and nice and creamy.
- Now, combine the cooked pasta with the chicken mixture in a baking dish. Make sure everything is well coated in that delicious sauce.
- Top it all off with shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle the green onions over the top for that extra pop of flavor.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and flavorful: The rich cream cheese combined with Cajun spices creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite.
- Quick to prepare: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can get this dish on the table in under an hour!
- Great for weeknight dinners: This is the perfect go-to meal when you need something comforting but don’t have all night to cook.
- Kid-friendly: My kids can’t get enough of this dish! The creamy texture and cheesy goodness makes it a hit with the whole family.
- Customizable with veggies: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a nutritious boost!
Tips for Success
Alright, here are my top tips to ensure your Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake turns out absolutely delicious every single time! First, don’t be shy with the Cajun seasoning—if you love spice, add a little extra to really amp up the flavor. You can also mix in some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and a pop of color. If the sauce seems too thick, just stir in a splash of reserved pasta water for that perfect creamy consistency.
Oh, and make sure your cream cheese is softened before you add it to the skillet; this helps it blend smoothly into the sauce. Lastly, let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be easier to dish out and the flavors will meld beautifully! Trust me, these little tweaks will take your dish to the next level!
Nutritional Information
This Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake is not only delicious but also a well-balanced meal! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving, based on the standard ingredients used:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
These values can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so keep that in mind as you whip up this tasty dish! Enjoy knowing you’re serving something that’s not just comforting, but also nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for its perfect bite and ability to hold onto that creamy sauce, you can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, rotini, or even a gluten-free pasta work great too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for an extra kick, consider doubling the Cajun seasoning or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You could also toss in some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right before baking for that fiery flavor!
Can this be made ahead of time?
You bet! You can assemble the whole dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it’ll be going into the oven cold.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This pasta bake is so hearty that it can stand alone, but if you want to add some sides, I recommend a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens are also fantastic options that complement the flavors beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers of this delicious Cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them properly. First, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to maintain that creamy goodness!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you want to add a little extra freshness, sprinkle on some more green onions or cheese just before serving. Trust me, it’ll taste almost as good as the first time around!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy truffle pasta or this vegetable pasta dish!
Z nadrukami
Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake: 7 Bold Flavor Boosts
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A creamy and spicy pasta dish baked to perfection.
Składniki
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large skillet, cook the diced chicken over medium heat until no longer pink.
- Add cream cheese, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta and chicken mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Uwagi
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to taste.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: Cajun
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 45g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Słowa kluczowe: cajun cream cheese chicken pasta bake
