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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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