Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy and flavorful dinner recipe featuring tender slow-cooked chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, infused with bold Cajun spices for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for searing)
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Cheese and Pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes if time allows.
- Prepare for Slow Cooking: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded meat back to the slow cooker with the vegetables and broth.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Let it cook an additional 10–15 minutes on low heat to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain well to prevent excess moisture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the drained pasta into the slow cooker mixture until well combined and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired for extra heat.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, sear the chicken breasts in olive oil before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Cooking the pasta separately and adding it last prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Using fresh Parmesan cheese results in the best texture and taste for the sauce.
- To increase spiciness, use a hotter Cajun seasoning blend or add jalapeños to the slow cooker.
- Freeze the sauce without the pasta for better texture when reheating leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
