Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor, pure comfort, and couldn’t be easier to prepare, my Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new go-to! Imagine tender, juicy chicken swimming in a velvety Cajun-spiced sauce, tossing and hugging every twirl of penne pasta. This dish makes the most of your slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding the family or craving a cozy meal, this easy recipe is here to spice up your table—one creamy bite at a time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe does some heavy lifting—balancing flavors, textures, and colors to create a true southern-inspired comfort meal. These pantry-friendly ingredients come together with almost no fuss, so each bite is layered and delicious.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for maximum tenderness and quick shredding after slow-cooking.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the secret to the sauce’s irresistible silkiness and creamy finish—don’t skimp!
- Chicken Broth: Gives the pasta an extra boost of savory depth and ensures everything cooks evenly and stays moist.
- Butter: Melts into the sauce to add richness and a smooth, glossy texture that coats every bite.
- Cajun Seasoning: Brings bold, zesty Southern flair—feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory profile without overpowering the other flavors.
- Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds up beautifully during slow cooking and soaks up the luxurious sauce.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick at the end for an authentic Italian finish and extra creamy texture.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Start by adding the chicken breasts, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder directly into your trusty 6-quart slow cooker. You don’t need to pre-cook anything—just toss it all in! This is the magic moment when you realize how effortless a spectacular meal can be.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Juicy Perfection
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook: choose low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should cook until it’s fork-tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Resist peeking too often—the slow, even heat is what infuses the meat with all those Cajun flavors!
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is thoroughly cooked, carefully remove it to a cutting board. Let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing into hearty chunks; this gives each pasta bite the perfect ratio of sauce, spice, and juicy chicken.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce and Add Pasta
Whisk the creamy sauce left behind in the crock pot until it’s silky and smooth, ensuring the spices and melted butter are evenly distributed. Next, return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the uncooked penne pasta—this is where everything begins to come together!
Step 5: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce
With the pasta and chicken mingling in that beautifully seasoned sauce, cover and set your slow cooker to high. Let it cook for 20-30 minutes, checking occasionally, until the pasta is just cooked al dente and tender. The pasta will absorb all those wonderful flavors!
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the bubbling pasta mixture, then cover once more for about 5 minutes. This step lets the cheese melt into the sauce, thickening it slightly and delivering that craving-worthy cheesy finish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into bowls and dig in while it’s warm, creamy, and utterly inviting. Every forkful celebrates the rich, spicy, and comforting nature of this all-star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top off this hearty dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of color and freshness. Some extra grated Parmesan is always welcome, lending a final cheesy note that really pops.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad balances the richness, while warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of that creamy Cajun sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers also pair beautifully, adding crunch and a pop of color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe family-style in a big, beautiful bowl for hearty gatherings. Or, for a dinner party twist, spoon the pasta into individual ramekins and broil with extra Parmesan until bubbly and golden on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors only deepen (in the best possible way) as it rests.
Freezing
While the cream sauce may change texture slightly after freezing and thawing, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. If reheating on the stovetop, low and slow is best, stirring gently until heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni or rotini hold up well, and you can substitute your favorite pasta without any worries. Just adjust the cooking time if you opt for a thinner or thicker shape.
How can I make the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe less spicy?
Reduce the Cajun seasoning and add more garlic powder or a dash of smoked paprika for flavor without as much heat. You can always spice it up later with a sprinkle of hot sauce at the table.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are fantastic additions. Just add them to the crock pot during the last 30-40 minutes so they stay vibrant and don’t get mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or cashew cream) and dairy-free cheese. The texture will still be rich and creamy, though the flavor will differ slightly from the original.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick after cooking?
Simply stir in a splash of warm chicken broth or cream to loosen it. The pasta can soak up a lot of liquid, especially if it sits for a bit, so this trick brings back its lusciousness.
Final Thoughts
Whenever you’re in need of an effortless, comfort-packed meal that’s just as good for gatherings as cozy nights in, you can count on this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s easy, soul-satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser—give it a try and let it become a favorite in your own kitchen!
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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (on low), 2 hours 15 minutes (on high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a flavorful and creamy Cajun chicken pasta dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, Cajun-spiced sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Pasta:
- 2 pounds Chicken Breasts
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 pound Penne Pasta
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Add the chicken, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning into a 6-quart crock pot. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove the cooked chicken, shred or dice it, and set aside.
- Whisk the sauce in the crock pot, then return the chicken to the pot.
- Add the uncooked pasta, stir well, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the pasta is cooked.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cover for 5 minutes to melt the cheese, then serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- For a thicker sauce, you can mix a cornstarch slurry into the crock pot towards the end of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low, 2 hours on high
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Cajun, Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker, Creamy, Easy
