Description
A delightful weeknight dinner, this one-pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is filled with flavor and cooked in a slow cooker for a stress-free meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub seasonings into chicken.
- In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to the slow cooker.
- Layer sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then add to the crock pot and mix well.
- Heat mixture on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Slow Cooker, Weeknight Dinner