Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers in a spicy Cajun sauce before being mixed with penne pasta and Parmesan cheese for a comforting dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: Place the chicken breasts at 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. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
2. Step 2: 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 and is fully cooked.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred or dice it into large pieces using two forks.
4. Step 4: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Add the penne pasta and stir to mix everything together.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
6. Step 6: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and evenly combines into the creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the pasta warm and enjoy this rich, flavorful meal!

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra Cajun seasoning.
• Swap penne with rotini or rigatoni for a different pasta texture.
• Add sliced bell peppers or onions in step 1 for added veggies and flavor.
• Use smoked sausage instead of chicken for a smoky variation.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and food safety. Cooking frozen chicken in the crock pot can extend the cooking time and may not cook evenly.

What can I use if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

You can make a simple substitute by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to mimic Cajun flavor.

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 321 reviews

This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, zesty Cajun seasoning, and penne pasta simmered in a rich sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal effort, this recipe uses a slow cooker to meld the spices and creamy ingredients into a deliciously hearty dish.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours low or 2 to 3 hours high + 20 to 30 minutes high for pasta
• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crock Pot Base: Place the chicken breasts at 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 on top, then gently stir to combine the liquids and seasonings with the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot 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 and is fully cooked through.
3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it into large pieces using two forks or dice if preferred.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.
5. Cook the Pasta: Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
6. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese thoroughly until it melts into the creamy sauce, creating a rich and flavorful finish.
7. Serve: Serve the Cajun chicken pasta warm, directly from the crock pot for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Use a 6-quart crock pot or larger to ensure enough space for the pasta to cook evenly.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for a milder or spicier dish.
• For a lower-fat option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheese.
• If the sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a little extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, slow cooker pasta, creamy Cajun chicken, one-pot meal, easy chicken pasta