If you love bold flavors, creamy textures, and the convenience of slow cooking, then you are absolutely going to adore this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm, comforting hug. Using simple ingredients that combine effortlessly in your Crock Pot, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with quality, straightforward ingredients, and this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is no exception. Each item here plays a vital role, whether it’s building layers of flavor, adding creaminess, or bringing vibrant color and texture to your plate.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and perfect tenderness.
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: The star spice mix that infuses the chicken with bold, zesty flavors; adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich, luscious texture that coats every bite beautifully.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory base and keeps the dish wonderfully moist throughout cooking.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings depth and a nutty, salty edge that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, drained to avoid extra liquid; they add a touch of acidity and freshness.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness that balances the Cajun spices.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a crisp texture and a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with warmth and a savory punch.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Perfect shape to catch the creamy sauce and hold all those flavors in every bite.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, allowing you to adjust and enhance the overall seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a lovely pop of green freshness at the end.
How to Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning in a large bowl until each bit is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial because it locks in the bold, spicy flavors that set the tone for the entire dish. Don’t be shy here—make sure every piece gets some love from the seasoning.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Transfer your perfectly seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. This is where all the magic starts as we layer in the remaining ingredients. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic right on top. Give everything a good stir to combine, letting those tastes mingle and get ready to develop during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, set it on high for 2 to 3 hours. The goal here is tender, juicy chicken infused with all those rich flavors. As the hours pass, the sauce will thicken and become irresistibly creamy, turning this dish into a cozy bowl of comfort.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, it’s time to add the penne pasta. Gently stir the pasta into the slow cooker, making sure it’s submerged in the sauce. This last step ensures the noodles absorb just enough flavor while cooking to al dente perfection—soft yet with a slight bite.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
Once the pasta is cooked, give everything a quick taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Then, serve this creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. It’s ready to enjoy and impress!
How to Serve Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an absolute must here—it doesn’t just add a hit of color but also refreshes the palate between bites of creamy, spicy pasta. For a little extra zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top can brighten the flavors wonderfully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or some red pepper flakes can up the flavor game.
Side Dishes
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe shines as a complete meal, but if you want to round it out, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a balance of textures. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls make fantastic companions too, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from the slow cooker during family gatherings for a rustic, casual vibe. Alternatively, plate it elegantly with a sprinkle of parsley and parmesan for dinner parties. You could even serve it in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broiled for a crunchy finish—adding a touch of flair that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. It will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining the creamy texture and bold flavors. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to keep everything evenly blended.
Freezing
If you want to extend its shelf life, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, and store it for up to 2 months. When defrosted, the texture of the pasta may soften a bit, so it’s best used within a couple of months to enjoy maximum flavor and quality.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. You can also use a microwave, but stir every minute or so to heat evenly and avoid drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for the Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker, but it will increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding the pasta to avoid any risk.
What kind of Cajun seasoning works best?
Any good-quality Cajun seasoning mix will work well, but if you prefer, you can make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper for a personalized touch.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but keep in mind the sauce may be less thick and creamy. Adding a bit of flour or cornstarch can help thicken it if needed.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have penne?
While penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli work beautifully as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta type.
Can I add other vegetables to the Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini are wonderful additions that complement the flavors without overpowering the dish. Just add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe is hands down one of those easy, fuss-free meals that feels like a treat any night of the week. Its vibrant flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken come together in perfect harmony thanks to the slow cooker magic. I promise once you make it, you’ll keep coming back for more and maybe even find new ways to put your own spin on it. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and bring some Cajun flair and comfort to your dinner table tonight!
Print
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked penne pasta slow-cooked in a rich Parmesan and tomato sauce. It’s a convenient and hearty dinner option that combines bold spices with creamy textures for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until they are evenly coated, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
- Assemble in Crock Pot: Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker, creating the base for your dish.
- Add Sauce and Vegetables: Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Add the diced tomatoes, sliced red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir well to evenly combine all the ingredients, distributing flavors throughout the mixture.
- Slow Cook: 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 fully cooked and tender.
- Add Pasta: About 15 minutes before the cooking time ends, stir in the penne pasta, making sure it is submerged in the sauce for even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Cover and cook on high for an additional 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Drain canned diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid in the slow cooker.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor if desired.
