Savory Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Whipping up a mouthwatering crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

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

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

Hearty and satisfying, this dish brings Louisiana-style zest directly to your dinner table.

Complex spices meld together, promising a rich and indulgent experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Bold Cajun notes infuse each bite with warmth and excitement.

You’ll want to savor every single creamy, perfectly seasoned forkful of this irresistible meal.

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Full of Zing

  • Savor Spicy Comfort: Dive into a bold Cajun-inspired dish that brings zesty flavors right to your dinner table with minimal effort.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Let your crock pot do the heavy lifting while you relax, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal without constant supervision.
  • Family-Pleasing Fusion: Combine the excitement of Cajun spices with crowd-pleasing pasta, creating a hearty dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds and coming together around the table.
  • Weeknight Dinner Hero: Tackle busy schedules with a one-pot wonder that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of this Cajun-style dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the recipe.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce for the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provide creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Adds spicy and bold Cajun-style taste to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Used for browning the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
  • Garlic: Brings aromatic and savory notes to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and enhance the overall seasoning.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright and fresh garnish for the final presentation.
Pantry Ingredients:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a slight tangy flavor to the sauce.
  • Pasta: Serves as the hearty base for this creamy Cajun chicken dish.

How to Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Spice and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning generously over chicken pieces. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown on all sides, creating a delicious crust that locks in flavor.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base in Crock Pot

Combine the following ingredients in the crock pot:
  • Seared chicken
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Minced garlic

Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set crock pot to low heat and let the chicken simmer for 3-4 hours.

This slow cooking process will make the chicken incredibly tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Pasta for Final Cooking

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add uncooked pasta directly to the crock pot.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheese Finish

Sprinkle in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Cajun-style pasta dish straight from the crock pot.

Tips for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Success

  • Swap Cajun seasoning for milder spices if you prefer less heat, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish.
  • Slice chicken breasts into smaller pieces to reduce cooking time and promote even cooking throughout.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the creamy, rich flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if the mixture becomes too thick during simmering.
  • Choose low-fat cream and cheese options to create a lighter version of this indulgent pasta recipe.

Flavor Variations on Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Spicy Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp for a seafood-inspired version that keeps the Cajun flavor profile intact.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the creamy sauce and spicy seasonings.
  • Low-Carb Zoodle Edition: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal with the same rich Cajun taste.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Swap heavy cream and cheese with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners.

Pairings for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Spicy Fiesta Dinner Night: Create a vibrant Cajun-themed dinner party where friends gather to enjoy this creamy chicken pasta as the star attraction.
  • Creamy Comfort Bowl: Serve the pasta in deep ceramic bowls with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top, perfect for cozy weeknight meals that warm the soul.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Transform the recipe into a hearty appetizer by cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and serving in small individual ramekins for sports watching parties.
  • Leftover Lunch Remix: Pack the pasta in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs to refresh the flavors.

Best Storage for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to a shallow container to help it cool quickly before refrigerating, which prevents moisture buildup and preserves texture.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring a convenient meal option for later.
Methods for Reheating:
  • Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Stovetop: Pour pasta into a skillet, add a little cream or broth, warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to redistribute sauce and prevent sticking, until heated completely.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine for similar results. Just ensure the pasta cooks well in the liquid.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The spice level depends on the Cajun seasoning brand. You can control heat by using less seasoning or choosing a mild version if you prefer less spiciness.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain gluten additives.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spicy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Craving comfort? Creamy cajun chicken pasta brings Southern charm to weeknight dinners. Home cooks savor rich flavors and simple preparation that make this dish a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
  • 3 cups (720 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Generously dust chicken pieces with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
  2. Sear chicken in hot olive oil until golden brown and caramelized on each side, roughly 2-3 minutes per surface.
  3. Transfer seared chicken into slow cooker, combining with aromatic chicken broth, rich heavy cream, zesty diced tomatoes, and minced garlic.
  4. Thoroughly blend all ingredients, creating a unified sauce base.
  5. Set crock pot to low temperature and allow mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 hours, enabling chicken to become supremely tender and flavorful.
  6. During final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  7. Once pasta reaches desired tenderness, incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxuriously creamy consistency.
  8. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
  9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over dish for vibrant color and herbaceous finish before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use homemade Cajun seasoning for a personalized flavor profile and control over sodium levels.
  • Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
  • Reduce cooking time by cutting chicken into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even and quicker cooking.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for increased nutrition and a vibrant color boost.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 521 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star