Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting slow-cooker meal featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Cajun spices, mixed with sautéed bell peppers and onions, simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made from cream cheese and Parmesan. Combined with perfectly cooked pasta, it’s an easy and delicious one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours (slow cooker low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American Cajun
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
Liquid and Dairy
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season the Chicken. Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For enhanced flavor, optionally marinate the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Prepare Slow Cooker. Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, and pour in low-sodium chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan. Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cheeses melt completely into a creamy sauce. Continue cooking on low heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta. Meanwhile, cook the penne or rotini pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture in the slow cooker until fully combined and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired to add freshness and a bit of heat.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Be sure to cook the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- If you want to prep ahead, season the chicken and store in the refrigerator overnight.
- This recipe is not gluten-free due to the pasta; consider gluten-free pasta as a substitute if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker Pasta, Cajun Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
