Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both effortless and absolutely crave-worthy, look no further than Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. This dish is a perfect marriage of tender chicken, colorful veggies, a sultry Cajun kick, and a dreamy, velvety sauce that clings to every swirl of pasta. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on living your best life while your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of this Southern-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta comes from a short list of powerhouse ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every component is carefully chosen to give you a dish bursting with bold flavor, creamy texture, and gorgeous color—without any fuss.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and become wonderfully tender after slow cooking.
- Cajun seasoning: The heart of the flavor—use your favorite blend for the perfect spicy, smoky kick.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle sweet smokiness that balances the heat.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with a rich, savory undertone.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors and deepens the savory notes.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors—taste and adjust as needed.
- Black pepper: Gives the dish a mild bite and aromatic lift.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced for sweetness and vibrant color.
- Green bell pepper: Adds another layer of flavor and a pop of green.
- Small onion: Sliced to melt into the sauce, adding sweetness and depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and keeps the dish moist as it cooks.
- Cream cheese: Cubed for easy melting, it transforms the sauce into something luxuriously creamy.
- Heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce, making it rich and decadent (feel free to substitute for half-and-half if you like).
- Penne or rotini pasta: Cooked separately—these shapes hold on to the sauce perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that ties the whole dish together.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a fresh, herbaceous finish and a burst of green.
- Olive oil or butter (optional): Drizzled on top for an extra touch of richness before serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Layer in the Flavors
Begin by placing your chicken breasts directly into the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle them generously with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This step is where the flavor journey starts, as the spices soak into the chicken and create the foundation for your creamy Cajun sauce.
Step 2: Add Veggies and Broth
Top the seasoned chicken with the sliced red and green bell peppers and onions. These veggies not only add beautiful color and sweetness but also infuse the dish with their natural juices as they cook. Pour in the chicken broth, which will help everything simmer gently together, ensuring juicy chicken and a deeply flavorful base.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork, and the vegetables will be perfectly soft and melded into the sauce. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistible—trust the process!
Step 4: Creamy Cajun Sauce Magic
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces. Now, add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream to the hot cooking liquid. Stir until everything melts together into a dreamy, creamy sauce. This is when Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta really earns its name!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the cooked pasta. Stir well to make sure every piece of chicken and pasta gets coated in that luscious Cajun cream sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir again to fully incorporate. Let everything warm together for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken just right.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby note that brightens the richness of the sauce. If you want to take it over the top, drizzle a touch of olive oil or melted butter right before serving for extra gloss and depth.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a star on its own, but it loves company! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness, or serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food feast. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus also make a bright, healthy addition.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta family-style in a big, colorful bowl, or pile it into individual serving dishes with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. You can even spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a dramatic presentation at your next dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Transfer any extras to an airtight container once cooled, and the flavors will continue to develop overnight, making the next day’s lunch or dinner even more delicious.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze this pasta dish. Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy again. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly, but a good stir and a splash of cream when reheating will bring it right back.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for that just-made look and taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are perfect for catching all that creamy Cajun sauce, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape—fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine work beautifully in this recipe.
Is this dish very spicy?
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is designed to have a gentle Cajun kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by using more or less Cajun seasoning, or adding a pinch of cayenne if you love it extra spicy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth are gluten-free. The creamy sauce and all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
What protein substitutions work well?
For a fun twist, try swapping the chicken for sliced Andouille sausage or even shrimp for a seafood version. The recipe is flexible and just as delicious with different proteins.
Can I prep Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop the veggies and measure out all your seasonings the night before. In the morning, just add everything to the crock pot and let it cook while you go about your day. The pasta can be cooked and stirred in just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s equal parts cozy, bold, and irresistibly creamy, Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is your answer. It’s the kind of meal that gets rave reviews every time, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your friends and family. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!
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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with bell peppers and onions in a flavorful blend of Cajun spices, finished with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a comforting slow cooker meal that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked separately
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Layer the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth over the ingredients. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred or slice them using two forks. Set aside temporarily.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream into the crock pot liquid until smooth and well combined. This will create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Add the cooked penne or rotini pasta and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese and Warm Through: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir to combine. Cover and allow the pasta to warm in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle with olive oil or butter if desired for extra richness and flavor.
Notes
- Use Andouille sausage in place of chicken for a spicier twist on the recipe.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- Best served immediately but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cooking the pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy during slow cooking.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning quantity to tailor the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
