Why Make This Recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a fantastic dish for busy families or anyone who loves a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. By using a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, which means you can focus on other tasks or simply relax while dinner cooks itself. The creamy sauce, combined with the rich flavors of Cajun spices, makes this pasta dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s very easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
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
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Directions
- Rub 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 sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy. Cook an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
- Cook pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain and stir into the slow cooker mixture.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley, extra cheese, or red pepper flakes.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish hot right from the slow cooker. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a bit of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. You might also want to have some crushed red pepper flakes on the side for those who enjoy a little extra heat.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
To store any leftovers, let the pasta cool down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to season your chicken well for the best flavor.
- If you have time, marinating the chicken before cooking enhances the taste.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add a bit more cream cheese.
Variation
You can mix this recipe up by adding other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. If you want a lighter version, you could use a different type of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to cook them on high for about 5-6 hours instead of low.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives available in stores.
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can use frozen chicken breasts with adjusted cooking time.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 0.5 yellow onion sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese Cubed for easier melting.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese Plus extra for serving.
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- Fresh parsley For garnish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese For serving.
- Crushed red pepper flakes For serving, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Optionally, marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it with forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy. Cook an additional 10–15 minutes on low.
- Cook pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Drain and stir into the slow cooker mixture.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley, extra cheese, or red pepper flakes.