Description
This creamy cream cheese chicken pasta casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream cheese sauce all baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), cubed
8 ounces penne pasta, cooked al dente
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sliced white mushrooms (optional)
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chicken broth
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and garlic powder. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook chopped onion and garlic until soft. Add mushrooms and sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add softened cream cheese in chunks, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Return chicken and add pasta. Mix until coated.
5. Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Let cream cheese come to room temperature for a smoother sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting.
Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating leftovers to keep them creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Creamy Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Casserole, Cajun Chicken Bake, Cream Cheese Chicken Bake