This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and full of bold flavor with just the right touch of spice. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a dish that practically cooks itself, the slow cooker handles all the work while you end up with a restaurant-style dinner the whole family will love.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place chicken, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning into a 6-quart slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred or dice it, and set aside.
Step 4: Combine and Add Pasta
Whisk the sauce inside the slow cooker to mix everything evenly. Return the shredded chicken and stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
Step 5: Continue Cooking
Cover again and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Stir in the Parmesan cheese. Cover for 5 minutes to let it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper if desired.
Substitutions & Additions
- Chicken: Swap breasts for boneless thighs or tenders.
- Protein Options: Try smoked sausage, shrimp, or salmon for variety.
- Pasta: Penne works best, but fettuccine or bowtie pasta also work.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers or broccoli for a one-pot meal.
- Extra Spice: Mix in a can of Rotel for a bolder, tangy kick.
Recipe Tips
- Shred chicken quickly using a hand or stand mixer.
- If you prefer, cook pasta separately and serve with the creamy sauce.
- This recipe works well with frozen chicken — just cook slightly longer.
- To reduce spice, use half the Cajun seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A light garden salad balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus pair beautifully.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals or warm gently in a skillet.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 465 kcal | 48g | 33g | 14g | 6g | 133mg | 300mg | 3g | 2g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy, comforting Cajun chicken pasta that cooks itself in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy nights with bold flavors everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Add chicken, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken’s internal temperature is 165°F.
- Remove the chicken, shred or dice it, and set aside.
- Whisk the sauce inside the slow cooker to mix everything evenly, then return the shredded chicken and stir in the uncooked penne pasta.
- Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cover for 5 minutes to let it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Serve warm garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper if desired.
Notes
Great with additional veggies or different proteins. Serve with garlic bread or a salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun