Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dish that perfectly balances the rich flavors of Cajun spices with the comforting creaminess of a pasta dinner. Imagine returning home after a busy day to the savory aroma of tender chicken and colorful vegetables that have been slow-cooked to perfection, all ready to serve. This dish combines the ease of a slow cooker with the bold flavors of Cajun cuisine, making it an ideal choice for family weeknights or a quick meal when entertaining guests.

Why you’ll love this dish

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. It’s also budget-friendly, allowing families to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. The combination of chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce creates a filling dish that even picky eaters will love—perfect for a busy weekday dinner when you want something everyone can agree on.

“I made this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta last week, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it! The flavors were fantastic, and it was so easy to put together. This one’s a keeper!”

The cooking process explained

Making Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is as simple as gathering a few ingredients, seasoning the chicken, and letting the slow cooker handle the rest. You’ll start by adding the seasoned chicken and fresh vegetables to the pot, allowing them to simmer in chicken broth. After shredding the chicken, you’ll mix in the creamy components and cook the pasta separately, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that really shines through.

Gather these items

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 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
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes for added heat

You can easily substitute the chicken for shrimp or a vegetarian protein if you prefer.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you have the time, marinate for 15–20 minutes for heightened flavor.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth on top.
3. Cook: Set your slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
5. Make it Creamy: Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
6. Cook your Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package directions until it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta and then stir it into the slow cooker mixture.
7. Serve: Dish out the creamy pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.

Best ways to enjoy it

When serving Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, consider topping each bowl with additional Parmesan cheese and a shower of fresh parsley for color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a glass of sweet tea or a chilled white wine.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your leftovers fresh, store any remaining Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in an airtight container within the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. If you intend to freeze it, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately, as cooked pasta can become mushy when thawed.

Helpful cooking tips

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add some cayenne pepper to the mix.
• You can swap out the cream cheese for a lower-fat alternative or use Greek yogurt for added creaminess without the calories.
• If you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-cooked chicken to cut down on the cooking time.

Creative twists

Feel free to customize this recipe according to your taste! You can add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition. For a twist on the flavors, try using a different cheese like Gouda or pepper jack to enhance the creaminess and add a little heat. You could even swap the pasta for cauliflower rice to make this dish low-carb.

Your questions answered

How long does the preparation take?

The hands-on preparation for this dish takes about 15 minutes. The slow cooker will do the rest of the work while you relax or attend to other tasks.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker; just be sure to extend the cooking time by 1–2 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before consuming.

What can I substitute for the Cajun seasoning?

If you do not have Cajun seasoning on hand, a mix of paprika, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper can mimic the flavor profile quite well.

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that your family will request time and time again!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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A comforting pasta dish that combines Cajun spices with creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Gluten-free option available

Ingredients

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• 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
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes for added heat

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for 15–20 minutes if time allows.
2. Add to slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker, adding the sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth on top.
3. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove and shred the chicken with two forks. Return it to the pot.
5. Make it creamy: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan until melted and creamy. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
6. Cook the pasta: In a separate pot, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and stir into the slow cooker mixture.
7. Serve: Dish out the creamy pasta into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on stovetop or microwave. For freezing, store pasta and sauce separately.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg