Are you looking for an easy and flavorful dinner recipe that will impress your family? Look no further! This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is your answer. With tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy cheese, this dish brings the warmth of Cajun flavors right to your table. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Prep it in minutes and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry essentials and fresh veggies.
- Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Unbelievably Delicious: Combines creamy goodness with spicy Cajun flair.
- Comforting and Satisfying: A warm dish that feels like a hug on your plate.
This recipe stands out because it balances rich and spicy flavors without overwhelming the palate. Plus, cooking it in a slow cooker ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy!
Ingredients Needed
For the chicken base:
- 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
For the vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
For the creamy sauce:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
For garnishing:
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by rubbing the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For enhanced flavor, you can marinate them for 15–20 minutes if you have the time.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Make it Creamy: Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce finishes cooking, prepare the pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture in the slow cooker. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the dish warm, allowing guests to help themselves, as it makes for a great family-style presentation. For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it slowly in a pot on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if it appears dry.
Helpful Notes
- Add Extra Spice: If you like heat, add more Cajun seasoning or some diced jalapeños to the mix.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful recipe that brings comfort and flavor together effortlessly. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at your table. If you give it a try, please leave a comment and a star rating! Share your culinary creations with us on social media. What variations have you tried? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about an hour.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and freeze the cooked dish. Just reheat it in the microwave or stovetop when ready to serve.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free as well.
Print
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 380 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
A flavorful one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Optional: Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until cheese melts and becomes creamy. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
- Prepare pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy mixture in the slow cooker. Serve hot, garnished with parsley, extra Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Notes
For extra spice, add more Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños. For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg