If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious dinner, the 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish brings together tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with bold Cajun spices, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy sauce that wraps perfectly around al dente penne pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough to make any night of the week, and it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews from everyone around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential for delivering the rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors that make this recipe shine. Each one plays a key role, from the spice blend that kickstarts the depth to the cream cheese and heavy cream that give the sauce its luscious smoothness.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein base that becomes juicy and tender in the crock pot.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds that signature spicy and smoky flavor that defines Cajun cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances color and adds a subtle, smoky sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory punch to every bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and veggies, adding richness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers freshness and a slight bitterness to balance the creamy sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced: Adds a natural sweetness when slow-cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers fresh, aromatic depth.
- 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and infused with flavor without overpowering salt.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy texture.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Enriches the sauce for that indulgent mouthfeel.
- 12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked: The pasta of choice for this recipe, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Layer the Ingredients
Start by placing your chicken breasts right into the crock pot. Sprinkle evenly with the Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top to help everything meld together. Next, layer the sliced red and green bell peppers, the onion, and the minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth, which will keep everything moist and impart delicious flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking will transform the chicken into delectably tender pieces that soak up all the Cajun spices and aromatics. The veggies also soften beautifully, adding natural sweetness and character to the sauce base.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken is perfectly tender, remove it from the crock pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, rich sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Finish Cooking
Stir the uncooked penne pasta into the creamy mixture, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged so it cooks evenly. Cover the crock pot again and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes. Be sure to stir once halfway through to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta reaches al dente perfection.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the pasta is done, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. These last elements bring a bright, savory finish that perfectly complements the creamy Cajun sauce, making this dish utterly irresistible.
How to Serve 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for added gooey, cheesy goodness. A handful of fresh parsley or chives adds a fresh, colorful contrast to the rich sauce. For a little extra heat, don’t hesitate to add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This creamy Cajun pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, cool sides like a simple green salad or coleslaw, which help balance out the richness. Garlic bread or crusty French bread are also fantastic for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with parsley and a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the flavors. You can also plate it atop a bed of sautéed greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition and color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats wonderfully, and the flavors continue to meld, often tasting even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the creamy Cajun chicken pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up and keep that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is recommended because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or any pasta shape you love. Just be sure to adjust cooking time if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
The 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe has a nice moderate kick from the Cajun seasoning. If you prefer less heat, reduce the seasoning amount; for more spice, add an extra teaspoon or some cayenne pepper.
Can I add extra protein like sausage?
Yes! Adding andouille sausage or smoked sausage slices adds an authentic Cajun twist and extra heartiness. Simply brown the sausage before layering with the other ingredients in the crock pot.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety to make this creamy Cajun chicken pasta suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens more than you like, stir in a bit more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. This keeps it luscious and creamy without drying out the pasta.
Final Thoughts
The 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone seeking a cozy, effortless, and incredibly flavorful meal. Slow cooking brings out the best in every ingredient, creating layers of taste that feel both luxurious and homey. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it on repeat as your new go-to comfort food that wows every time.
Print
5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered with Cajun spices, bell peppers, and onions in a creamy sauce with penne pasta. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines the zesty Cajun seasoning with creamy cheese and tender pasta for a rich, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
Pasta and Finishing Touches
- 12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, then top with the sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour the low sodium chicken broth over the ingredients. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream to the crock pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover again and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to control the heat level to your preference.
- If the sauce thickens too much during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it.
- For extra flavor, consider adding sliced andouille sausage before cooking.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
