Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it brings a little excitement to your dinner table. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also allows you to spend more time with your family while your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
Plus, it’s fully customizable! You can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste or make it your own with the ingredients you have on hand. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze—perfect for those evenings when you’re juggling too many activities!
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Let’s get started on this scrumptious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s how to put it all together:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 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 (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to make sure it’s evenly coated.
In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Browning helps seal in all the flavors.
Remove the chicken and place it at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic right on top of the chicken.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crock pot.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is melted and creamy.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it and add to the crock pot, stirring well to combine with the sauce and chicken.
Allow everything to heat together in the crocker for another 15-20 minutes on low, ensuring it’s thoroughly warmed.
Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is a crowd-pleaser! Serve it on a cozy evening with a side salad or some crunchy garlic bread for a complete meal. It’s also fantastic for leftovers, making for a perfect lunch the next day. If your kids like it with a little kick, let them sprinkle some extra Cajun seasoning on their servings.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Leftover Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Make-Ahead: You can prep everything the night before. Just assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, turn it on so it’s ready by dinner.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor.
Vegetable Boost: Sneak in more veggies! Spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms would work wonderfully and add nutrition.
Variation
This recipe is versatile! You can use shrimp instead of chicken if you’re in the mood for seafood. Just add the shrimp in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just extend the cooking time by about 1 hour if cooking on low.
What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Or just use some other spices you enjoy—this dish is forgiving!
Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker?
Definitely! Sauté the chicken and veggies in a large pot, then add the other ingredients. Simmer until the chicken is cooked and the flavors meld together. Follow the same steps, and it will be delicious!
Cooking for your family doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll have a comforting meal waiting for you at the end of your busy day. Happy cooking!
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free Option Available
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 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 (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the spices into the chicken.
- In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Place the browned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until mixed well.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and add to the crock pot, stirring to combine.
- Heat everything together in the crock pot for another 15-20 minutes on low.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley.
Notes
You can customize the spice level and add more vegetables as desired. This dish also works well with shrimp as a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crock pot, creamy, Cajun, chicken, pasta, one-pot meal