Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings together bold flavors and creamy goodness, making for a comforting meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe showcases tender chicken simmered in a delightful sauce, infused with Cajun spices and finished off with creamy pasta. Whether you are cooking for your family or having friends over, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
This recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. The Cajun seasoning adds a delightful kick, while the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luscious sauce that everyone will love. Plus, it can be tailored to suit your personal taste, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed time and time again.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Directions
Creating your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and ensure that they are completely coated. This step is crucial for keeping the chicken moist as it cooks. Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Take a moment to rub these spices into the chicken evenly. This simple action promises to amplify the dish’s flavor tremendously.
Once the chicken is well-seasoned, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and brown it for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden crust to form, as it adds a depth of flavor to your dish. After browning, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Now, it’s time to add the vegetable components. Spread the sliced bell pepper, thinly sliced onion, and minced garlic over the chicken in the slow cooker. These vegetables will not only enhance the flavor but also add plenty of nutrition. Pour in the diced tomatoes, along with their juices, and the chicken broth. Gently mix everything to ensure the chicken is well-covered and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 2-3 hours. The key here is to cook until the chicken is fork-tender. Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks. Don’t worry about being tidy; the more you break it apart, the better it will mix with the sauce.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the mix, creating a rich and creamy sauce. The combination of these two ingredients elevates this dish to a new level of indulgence. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and add it to the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir, ensuring that the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Before serving, you may want to let everything heat together for an additional 15-20 minutes on low. This final step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting dish that’s ready to impress. Serve your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in bowls, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serving your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can turn a simple meal into an occasion. You can keep it casual by serving it directly from the slow cooker, allowing guests to help themselves, or you can make it more sophisticated by plating each portion individually. An attractive serving option is to place a generous amount of pasta in each bowl and top it with a good helping of the thick, creamy sauce and tender chicken.
For added flair, consider garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. You might also want to serve some crusty garlic bread on the side. This not only complements the dish but also allows everyone to enjoy that delicious sauce. A simple side salad could add a fresh touch to the meal, balancing the rich flavors of the pasta.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, consider reducing the Cajun seasoning. Conversely, if you like it spicy, feel free to add an extra dash.
- Use Quality Chicken: For the best results, always choose quality chicken breasts. Organic or free-range chicken can enhance the richness of the flavors.
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the ingredients the night before. Simply store the chicken and spices in the refrigerator and add everything to the slow cooker in the morning.
- Meal Prep: This dish stores wonderfully, so consider making a larger batch for meal prep. It can easily be portioned out for quick meals throughout the week.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy.
How to Store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Storing your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is simple. Once the dish has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’s best to store it in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within a few days. When stored properly, it can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing portions of the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up as it heats.
Variation of Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
One of the great things about Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is its versatility. If you want to switch things up, consider the following variations:
- Seafood Twist: Substitute the chicken for shrimp or scallops for a seafood pasta experience. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as seafood cooks much faster.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or even your favorite plant-based protein. You can also load it up with more veggies like mushrooms or carrots.
- Different Pasta Shapes: While penne pasta is wonderful, try using other pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini. These shapes can soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor profiles. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well.
- Change the Sauce: Opt for a tomato-based sauce by skipping the cream and adding more diced tomatoes and Italian herbs for a different flavor direction.
FAQ
What is Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a slow-cooked dish featuring chicken, pasta, and a rich, creamy Cajun sauce. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that’s flavorful and satisfying.
How can I make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta spicy?
To add more heat to your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, although the cooking time may need to be increased. Make sure they are fully cooked through before serving.
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It should also shred easily with two forks when cooked properly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and simply toss them into the slow cooker in the morning. It’s a great meal prep option.
By following the instructions and tips provided in this article, you can create an extraordinary dish that will be a hit at your dinner table. With its creamy texture, zesty flavors, and simple preparation, Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta makes for a delightful meal you will want to make again and again. Enjoy!
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For coating the chicken
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning Adjust according to spice preference
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce and Veggies
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream For creaminess
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta Or any pasta shape of choice
- to taste Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and coat evenly.
- Sprinkle Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and rub the spices in.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Spread sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, mixing gently.
Cooking
- Cover and set the slow cooker to cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the chicken directly in the pot with two forks.
- Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and add to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together to coat the pasta with the sauce, and let heat for an additional 15-20 minutes on low before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!