A comforting, hands-off meal featuring tender chicken in a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:300 minutes
Total Time:320 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Slow Cooking
Cuisine:Cajun
Diet:Gluten-Free Option Available
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
1 cup chicken broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Pat the chicken dry. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spices into the chicken so every piece is evenly coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side, creating a flavorful crust.
Transfer the seared chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Arrange the sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. Pour the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth over everything.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily.
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Heat together on low for another 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve hot, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
This dish is budget-friendly, ideal for meal prep, and can be adjusted for spice level preferences.