Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken with creamy pasta, bell peppers, and onions. Made effortlessly in a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and packs a rich, spicy punch with a velvety sauce finished with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to evenly coat the meat with flavors.
- Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker lightly with olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom, then layer the sliced bell pepper and red onion on top. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender enough to shred or slice.
- Prepare the Pasta Mixture: Remove the cooked chicken and shred or slice it as preferred. Add the uncooked pasta, cubed cream cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover and cook on high for an additional 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened and become creamy.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the pot, mixing it well to coat it with the sauce evenly.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta and chicken mixture into bowls or plates. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- For a lighter cream sauce, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- This dish reheats very well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
