Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
This cozy crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta is pure comfort food: juicy shredded chicken, tender penne, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce that all cooks in one slow cooker. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like restaurant-style Cajun chicken Alfredo with almost no hands-on work.
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 6 hr
Total Time: 6 hr 10 min
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 (halve if you’re sensitive to spice)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 pound penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Load the slow cooker
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth.
- Add the butter, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Give the liquid a quick stir around the chicken so the seasonings are distributed.
- Tip: If you’re worried about heat level, start with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. You can always stir in more at the end.
- Slow cook the chicken
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently; every peek releases heat and slows down cooking.
- Shred the chicken
- Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a cutting board or large bowl.
- Shred with two forks (or a hand mixer on low for faster shredding) or dice into bite-size pieces.
- Set aside while you finish the sauce and pasta.
- Whisk the sauce
- Whisk the creamy liquid in the crock pot to smooth out any separation and fully blend the seasoning.
- Taste the sauce and adjust with extra Cajun seasoning, salt, or a pinch of black pepper if desired.
- Cook the pasta in the crock pot
- Return the shredded or diced chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is mostly submerged in the sauce so it cooks evenly.
- Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is just tender (al dente).
- Tip: Check a piece of pasta at the 20-minute mark; thicker brands may need a few more minutes.
- Finish with Parmesan
- When the pasta is done, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and let sit for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Serve
- Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into bowls.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if you like.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the heat level: Cajun seasoning brands vary. Start with less if you’re spice-sensitive, then add more at the end once you’ve tasted the sauce.
- Sauce thickness: If the sauce feels too thin after cooking the pasta, leave the lid off and let it sit for a few minutes; the pasta will continue to absorb liquid. For extra thickness, you can stir in a small handful of additional Parmesan.
- Make-ahead & leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 465 | 33g | 48g | 14g | 2g | 3g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
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Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta with juicy shredded chicken, tender penne, and a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce.
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 (plus extra for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
- Pour in the heavy whipping cream and chicken broth.
- Add the butter, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder, then stir gently.
- Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred with two forks.
- Whisk the creamy liquid in the crock pot to combine.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the uncooked penne pasta.
- Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Serve with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Adjust the heat level of Cajun seasoning to taste and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
