Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is one of those comforting dinners that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings all in one pot. No need to spend hours slaving over the stove; this recipe comes together easily in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal without much fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends, this dish is a delicious blend of Cajun spices, creamy cheese, and tender chicken. If you’ve been searching for a dinner that checks all the boxes, look no further!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This creamy and flavorful pasta is not just another weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen! Here’s why you should give it a try:
- Simplicity: With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, this dish is perfect for busy lives.
- Family-Approved: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and zesty Cajun flavor.
- Affordable Ingredients: Using boneless chicken breasts and basic veggies makes it budget-friendly without sacrificing taste.
"This dish has quickly become a family favorite! The flavors are incredible and it’s so easy to make." — Happy Home Chef
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a straightforward and fulfilling experience. To kick things off, start by seasoning your chicken with robust Cajun spices, which are the star of the show. Layer it all in your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and you’ll have mouthwatering chicken and sauce ready for your pasta. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:
- Seasoning the chicken.
- Slow cooking with veggies.
- Shredding the chicken.
- Incorporating creamy goodness.
- Tossing in the pasta.
Just follow these easy directions, and you’ll have a meal that will impress.
What You’ll Need
To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
Feel free to swap in different types of pasta or veggies based on your preferences.
Directions to Follow
- Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For deeper flavor, consider marinating for 15–20 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook for 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the cream cheese and shredded Parmesan. Stir until the mixture becomes creamy and well combined. Let it cook on low for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain, then incorporate it into the slow cooker mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
There are numerous ways to serve and enjoy this dish! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Garnish: Add freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a burst of color and flavor.
- Side Dishes: Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Wine Pairing: A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the spices beautifully.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Proper storage is key to enjoying your meal later or preserving any leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes well! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure success with this recipe, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Marinating: While not necessary, marinating the chicken enhances the flavor significantly.
- Cutting the Veggies: Aim for uniform slices of the peppers and onion for even cooking.
- Cream Cheese: For smoother mixing, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding it to the slow cooker.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños alongside the bell peppers for an extra spicy version.
- Healthy Swap: Use whole-wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a healthier alternative.
- Creamy Alternatives: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is around 15 minutes, and then just let your slow cooker do the rest of the work!
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time for about an hour on low.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator and is great for reheating during the week.
With its irresistible flavor profile and ease of preparation, Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is sure to become a staple in your household. Enjoy the delicious journey!
Print
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free pasta)
Description
A comforting one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty Cajun spices, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions
- Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; marinate for 15-20 minutes if desired.
- Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and shredded Parmesan, stir until creamy and well combined; cook on low for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and incorporate into the slow cooker mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes.
Notes
Marinating the chicken enhances flavor; store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg