A Flavorful Slow Cooker Favorite Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with vibrant bell peppers and a rich, creamy sauce infused with bold Cajun spices. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, it’s a comforting, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with pasta for an easy weeknight meal.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Halal
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Dairy 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
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For enhanced flavor, you can marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Slow Cook the Chicken and Veggies: 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: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
- Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Let it cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
- Prepare the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker mixture until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
Notes
- For a deeper, more robust flavor, sear the chicken breasts in olive oil before placing them in the slow cooker.
- Cooking pasta separately and adding it at the end prevents it from getting mushy in the crock pot.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- Add hot Cajun seasoning or jalapeños if you prefer an extra spicy kick.
- When freezing leftovers, freeze the sauce without pasta to maintain optimal texture upon reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker Cajun Pasta, Creamy Cajun Chicken, Easy Slow Cooker Dinner, Cajun Chicken Recipe