Introduction

This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers in a spicy, creamy sauce with pasta for a hearty meal that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

A white bowl filled with creamy orange pasta, coated in a thick sauce with visible herbs mixed throughout. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of well-cooked chicken breast, cut into thick slices showing a slightly browned and seasoned outer layer with a tender white inside. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb bits for garnish. A fork is placed in the bowl, partially submerged in the pasta. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray patterned cloth beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning, divided
3 cups chicken broth, divided
8 oz fettuccine noodles (or pasta of your choice), broken in half
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Olive oil or butter (for searing chicken)

Instructions

Step 1: Rub 1 tablespoon of the Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil or butter and brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side to seal in juices. Set the chicken aside.
Step 2: In your slow cooker, combine 2 cups of chicken broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Stir well.
Step 3: Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Add the broken pasta, shredded chicken, remaining 1 cup of chicken broth, softened cream cheese, and heavy cream to the crock pot. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for an additional 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the crock pot.
You can substitute fettuccine with penne or rotini for a different pasta texture.
Searing the chicken is optional but adds depth of flavor and helps keep it juicy.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a creamy plant-based alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy, orange-colored pasta coated in a thick sauce with visible flecks of herbs. The pasta appears soft and slightly twisted in shape. On top, there are several slices of golden-brown grilled chicken arranged in a row, with a slight char and grill marks, adding texture and contrast. Dotted around the pasta are sliced cherry tomatoes, adding small pops of red. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled generously over the chicken and pasta, giving a fresh touch to the dish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a gray and white striped cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen, increase the slow cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before adding pasta and cream.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different. Greek yogurt can also be added at the end for creaminess but avoid cooking it for too long to prevent curdling.