Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful slow-cooked meal combining tender chicken breasts, colorful bell peppers, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a spicy Cajun sauce. Ideal for a hands-off dinner, this dish delivers comfort and zest with minimal prep and slow cooker convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
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
Vegetables and Broth
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Cheese and Pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Optionally, marinate the chicken for 15–20 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Start Slow Cooking: Place the seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, and low-sodium chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 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 back into the slow cooker, mixing it with the vegetables and broth.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Continue cooking on low for an additional 10–15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the cheese is melting, cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Combine and Serve: Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and heated through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken before cooking enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content in the dish.
- For a spicier version, add extra Cajun seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If cream cheese is unavailable, mascarpone can be a creamy substitute.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce in the slow cooker.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings using a larger slow cooker.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
