The Zesty Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a delightful crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Slow cookers transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals with minimal effort.

Spicy seasonings dance through tender chicken and al dente noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Cajun-style cooking delivers bold, zesty notes that wake up tired taste buds.

Home cooks appreciate simple techniques that produce restaurant-quality results without hours of preparation.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can enjoy this hearty dish without stress.

Prepare to savor every creamy, spice-packed bite of this mouthwatering meal.

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Highlights

• Craft Hearty Southern Comfort: Dive into a soul-warming Louisiana classic that brings rich, authentic flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn how to transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish through straightforward sauteing, simmering, and seasoning steps that even novice cooks can master.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, switching protein options, or adding personal touches like different sausage types or garnishes to make this dish uniquely yours.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a large batch that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for busy families, meal planning, and feeding a crowd with minimal additional cooking time.

Key Ingredients For Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein source that provides a tender and flavorful base for the Cajun-style pasta dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the chicken and pasta.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and creamy texture for the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Helps to thicken the sauce and provides a smooth, tangy element.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to enhance the overall creaminess.

• Cajun Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide a spicy and well-balanced flavor profile to the dish.
• Onion, Garlic: Offer a savory and aromatic base that complements the Cajun-style seasoning.
• Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet and colorful vegetable element to the pasta.

• Penne Pasta: Serves as the hearty base of the dish, absorbing the creamy sauce.

• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green touch and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

Stepwise Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Guide

Step 1: Prepare Chicken with Spicy Coating

Generously rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage. Place seasoned chicken directly into the crock pot.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and fully cooked.

Step 3: Break Down Chicken

Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly inside the crock pot, creating pulled chicken texture.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Softened cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly to create a rich, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Vegetables

• Uncooked penne pasta
• Sliced bell pepper

Cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches desired tenderness.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

• Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Taste and modify seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving dishes.

Optional garnishes include extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley. Serve immediately while hot.

Cooking Advice For Cajun Chicken Pasta In Crock Pot

• Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
• Slice bell peppers thinly to ensure they cook evenly and blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
• Opt for full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the richest, most velvety texture in the dish.
• Replace penne with gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Keep extra chicken broth nearby in case the pasta needs more liquid during cooking to prevent sticking.

Flavorful Spins On Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Cajun seasoning with taco or chili powder, add black beans, corn, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap Cajun seasoning for Italian herbs, use sun-dried tomatoes, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: Substitute Cajun seasoning with basil pesto, replace heavy cream with half-and-half, add roasted cherry tomatoes, and top with fresh basil leaves.
• Smoky Barbecue Chicken Pasta: Use barbecue seasoning instead of Cajun, add smoked paprika, mix in crispy bacon bits, and stir in barbecue sauce for a rich, smoky flavor.

Complementary Dishes For Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Serve this creamy Cajun chicken pasta in large ceramic bowls, creating a cozy family-style presentation that invites everyone to gather around the table and enjoy hearty spoonfuls of spicy, cheesy goodness.
• Potluck Party Sensation: Transfer the pasta to a decorative serving dish with colorful bell peppers scattered on top. Bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to gatherings where it'll become an instant hit, with guests asking for seconds and the recipe.
• Quick Lunch Meal Prep: Portion the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top before sealing to keep the flavors vibrant and exciting for midday meals.

Maintaining Freshness Of Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot

• Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Cool the pasta completely before placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir frequently during reheating to ensure even temperature.

FAQs

• Is Cajun seasoning spicy?

Cajun seasoning typically has a moderate heat level with a blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and other spices. You can adjust the spiciness by using less or choosing a mild version.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or ziti. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

No, the chicken cooks directly in the crock pot with broth and seasonings, which helps it stay tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cajun chicken pasta blends Louisiana spice with comforting pasta textures. Rich flavors simmer together, delivering a hearty meal that satisfies hungry families with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps Cajun seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
2. Transfer seasoned chicken into crock pot and pour chicken broth over the meat.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic around the chicken pieces, creating a flavorful base.
4. Slow cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until chicken is completely tender.
5. Remove chicken and shred directly inside the crock pot using two forks, creating pulled-style meat pieces.
6. Incorporate heavy cream, softened cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Pour uncooked penne pasta and sliced bell peppers into the creamy sauce, ensuring ingredients are well distributed.
8. Continue cooking for 30-40 minutes, gently stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun spice, salt, and pepper according to preference.
10. Once pasta reaches desired tenderness, turn off crock pot and let mixture rest for 5 minutes.
11. Serve immediately in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free penne pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add a splash of white wine for deeper flavor complexity and a gourmet touch.
• Consider reducing cream cheese and using Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 457 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg