Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Dinner (Print Version)
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy, flavorful weeknight meal. Tender chicken, pasta, and a rich Cajun cream sauce cook together for minimal effort.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Cajun
# Ingredients:
→ Cajun Chicken Foundation
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (low-sodium)
03 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
→ Aromatic Flavor Builders
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
05 -
1 yellow onion, diced
06 -
1 green bell pepper, diced
07 -
2 stalks celery, diced
08 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Creamy Pasta Embrace
09 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
10 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
11 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
14 -
12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
15 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finishing Touches
16 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Season 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with 2 tbsp low-sodium Cajun seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken in your crock pot, then pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth. This is the start of your delicious Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
02 -
In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, and 2 diced stalks celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 minced cloves garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
03 -
Transfer the sautéed aromatic vegetables from the skillet directly into the crock pot with the chicken and broth. This combination builds the foundational flavors for your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
04 -
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded. This ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked for the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe.
05 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and optional 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
06 -
Add 12 oz uncooked penne pasta to the crock pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
07 -
Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Garnish your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe with 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
02 -
Any short pasta like rotini or farfalle can be substituted for penne, just ensure it's uncooked when added to the pot.
03 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed to restore creaminess.
04 -
Serve this hearty pasta dish with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to complete the meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 31 g
Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
Protein: 71 g