Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
A flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta made effortlessly in a crock pot. Tender chicken breasts cooked with bell peppers and onions in a rich, cheesy sauce, paired perfectly with al dente pasta for a comforting, spicy meal.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Fat
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
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
Liquids and Cheeses
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For best flavor, optionally marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes.
- Set Up the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and chicken broth on top.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: Cook on low heat for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- 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 into the slow cooker until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Let it cook an additional 10–15 minutes on low to thicken.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken mixture in the slow cooker until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, topped with optional fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes for added flavor and spice.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth by 1/2 cup or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor but is optional and can be skipped if short on time.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Slow Cooker Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Recipe, Easy Crock Pot Meals