Ingredients
– 12 ounces penne pasta
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 green bell pepper, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Creating this incredible Cajun Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta Bake is straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté until they are tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Create Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and add softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until melted and combined. Gradually pour in chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
6. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Mix everything until well coated.
7. Add Cheeses: Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, mixing until melted and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
These steps will ensure you create a delightful pasta bake that bursts with flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 servings
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 35g