Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting slow-cooker meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, a creamy blend of cream cheese and Parmesan, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne or rotini pasta. It’s a fuss-free, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights that offers a spicy Southern-inspired twist with every bite.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Southern American, Cajun
- Diet: Low Lactose
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 (optional, for searing)
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For more flavorful chicken, you can marinate it for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker along with the sliced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and low-sodium chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Make it Creamy: Add the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns creamy. Let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on low to thicken slightly.
- Cook Pasta Separately: Cook the penne or rotini pasta in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy Cajun chicken mixture in the slow cooker until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy Cajun chicken pasta onto plates or bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For deeper flavor, sear the chicken breasts in olive oil before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cook the pasta separately and add it at the end to avoid it becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for the best texture and richer taste.
- Add hot Cajun seasoning or diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
- Freeze the creamy sauce without pasta for better texture when reheating; add fresh cooked pasta when serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, slow cooker pasta recipe, Cajun chicken dinner, easy weeknight dinner