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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 5 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta that combines tender, slow-cooked Cajun-spiced chicken with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy one-pot slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers a deliciously rich Cajun twist to classic creamy chicken pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 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

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

Liquids and Cheeses

  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Garnishes

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. For more intense flavor, marinate for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for longer.
  2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.
  3. Cook Chicken and Vegetables: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
  5. Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Let it cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes on low to thicken the sauce.
  6. Cook the Pasta: While the cheese is melting, cook the pasta separately in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine with the creamy Cajun chicken sauce.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Notes

  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add extra crushed red pepper flakes.
  • You can substitute cream cheese with a mixture of heavy cream and shredded cheese for a lighter creaminess.
  • If you prefer, cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker by adding extra broth, but timing and texture can be less predictable.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent separation of the sauce.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta, Cajun Chicken Recipe, Easy Crock Pot Dinner