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Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake

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A comforting dish combining hearty pasta with juicy chicken in a luscious cream sauce with a kick of Cajun spice.

Ingredients

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  • 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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add cubed chicken and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  6. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and well combined.
  7. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
  8. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the sauce is creamy and cheese has melted.
  9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Mix everything until it’s well combined.
  10. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

For added flavor, let the chicken marinate in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add spinach or kale for a nutrition boost or swap the chicken for shrimp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.tastysavvy.com/cajun-cream-cheese-chicken-pasta-bake/