Description
Creamy Crockpot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting slow cooker dinner made with tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. The crockpot slowly cooks the chicken until tender, then combines with cream cheese, heavy cream, and Cajun spices to create a bold Southern-inspired pasta dish perfect for cozy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (optional)
- Optional: 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Optional: 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- Optional: 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- Optional: 2 cups fresh spinach
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub lightly with olive oil.
2. In a small bowl mix Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat both sides of the chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
4. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot.
5. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and optional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
6. Pour chicken broth around the chicken pieces.
7. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
8. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
10. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the crockpot and stir gently.
11. Cover and cook another 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy.
12. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente and drain, reserving some pasta water.
13. Add the cooked pasta into the crockpot and stir to coat in the creamy Cajun sauce.
14. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
15. Serve hot and garnish with parsley, Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor add a small amount of smoked paprika.
- Allow the pasta to sit uncovered in the crockpot for 10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Add spinach at the end of cooking for extra nutrients and color.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg