Description
This Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is a one-pot comfort dish bursting with bold Cajun spices, tender chicken, and creamy richness. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or a mix of oil and butter)
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon oregano
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½ teaspoon thyme
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 medium yellow onion, diced
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12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta)
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1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
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2 cups chicken broth
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4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
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2–3 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Season chicken with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
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Add chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté diced onion until soft and translucent.
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Add uncooked pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
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Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix to combine.
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Top with green onions and serve immediately, or transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly finish.
Notes
You can swap cream cheese for heavy cream or a mix of both depending on your preferred richness.
For added veggies, stir in spinach or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Bake (optional)
- Cuisine: Cajun / Southern-Inspired
Keywords: Cajun chicken pasta, creamy pasta bake, spicy chicken pasta, one-pot meals, comfort food