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
Ingredients for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Protein:Dairy and Cheese:Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:Pantry Ingredients: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: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
Flavor Variations on Cajun Chicken Pasta
Pairings for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Best Storage for Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Methods for Reheating:FAQs
A blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.
Yes, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine for similar results. Just ensure the pasta cooks well in the liquid.
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.
Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning doesn’t contain gluten additives.
PrintSpicy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- 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
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
- Generously dust chicken pieces with Cajun spice blend, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sear chicken in hot olive oil until golden brown and caramelized on each side, roughly 2-3 minutes per surface.
- Transfer seared chicken into slow cooker, combining with aromatic chicken broth, rich heavy cream, zesty diced tomatoes, and minced garlic.
- Thoroughly blend all ingredients, creating a unified sauce base.
- Set crock pot to low temperature and allow mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 hours, enabling chicken to become supremely tender and flavorful.
- During final 30 minutes of cooking, introduce uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches desired tenderness, incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxuriously creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall taste profile.
- 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
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.