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
Scale
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
