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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual meal with family. The dish features a velvety , such as garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
I swear that some of the best meals come from pure laziness. You know those days when you want something amazing but also refuse to stand over the stove for an hour? Well, that’s where this crock pot Cajun Chicken Pasta was born.
To begin with, the first time I made this, I totally winged it. I had chicken along with some pasta as well as a craving for something creamy and spicy. At first, it sounded like a solid plan however I underestimated just how good it would be. As a result, the house smelled so incredible that I nearly burned my tongue taste-testing straight from the crock pot. In the end, it was worth it.
Moreover, there’s just something about Cajun seasoning that takes things to another level. It’s smoky, spicy, and just a little unpredictable similarly to this recipe. Regarding the chicken, it turns out perfectly tender while also being infused with all that bold flavor. In addition, the sauce is rich, garlicky, and so ridiculously creamy that you’ll want to dive right in. Not to mention, the pasta soaks up every drop of that goodness as though it was made for it. After all, it kinda was.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, comforting, and just a little indulgent, then this is it. So, go ahead and grab that crock pot so that we can make some magic.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Step one : Season the Chicken
Rub the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Want to take it up a notch? Quickly sear it in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. It’s optional, but that extra flavor is chef’s kiss.
Step two : Make the Creamy Sauce
Dump (yep, dump!) the heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Parmesan, and red chili flakes into your crock pot. Give it a stir—it won’t be perfectly smooth yet, but don’t worry, it’ll all melt together beautifully.
Step three : Cook the Chicken
Nestle that seasoned chicken into the sauce. Cover, set it, and forget it! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and practically falls apart.
Step four : Cook the Pasta
About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook your pasta in boiling salted water. Drain it, but don’t let it sit too long you want it hot and ready for the sauce!
Step five : Shred or Slice the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the crock pot, shred or slice it, and then return it to the sauce. Stir it up so everything gets nice and coated in that creamy Cajun goodness.
Step six : Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part—add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and toss it all together. Every noodle should be drenched in that rich, spicy, cheesy sauce.
Step seven : Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and maybe even a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for good measure. Then, dig in!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium pot (for cooking pasta)
- Forks (for shredding chicken)
- Cutting board and knife
- Large spoon or tongs
Best Tips
Don’t overcook the chicken Dry chicken sad pasta. Stick to the cook times!
Leftovers? Lucky you! This reheats beautifully. Just add a splash of cream when warming it up to bring the sauce back to life.
Thin out the sauce if needed If it gets too thick, add a splash of warm chicken broth.
Spice it up Want more heat? Add extra Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce!
What To Eat With Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:
Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy Cajun sauce.
Cornbread: A Southern style cornbread pairs well with the Cajun flavors.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink complements the spice in the dish.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne is great, you can use fettuccine, bowtie, or rotini pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce in the crock pot, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and mix it in.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I reduce the calories?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the cheese amount, and use whole wheat pasta.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in, cooking for another 10-15 minutes.
SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Cajun, AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
6
servingsPrep time
10
minutesCooking time
2
hoursCalories
550
kcalTotal time
2
hours10
minutesThis Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and slightly spicy dish made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and Cajun seasonings.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the sauce:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
For the pasta:
12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish
Directions
- Step one : Season the Chicken
- Rub the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Want to take it up a notch? Quickly sear it in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. It’s optional, but that extra flavor is chef’s kiss.
- Step two : Make the Creamy Sauce
- Dump (yep, dump!) the heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Parmesan, and red chili flakes into your crock pot. Give it a stir—it won’t be perfectly smooth yet, but don’t worry, it’ll all melt together beautifully.
- Step three : Cook the Chicken
- Nestle that seasoned chicken into the sauce. Cover, set it, and forget it! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and practically falls apart.
- Step four : Cook the Pasta
- About 20 minutes before the chicken is done, cook your pasta in boiling salted water. Drain it, but don’t let it sit too long—you want it hot and ready for the sauce!
- Step five : Shred or Slice the Chicken
- Take the chicken out of the crock pot, shred or slice it, and then return it to the sauce. Stir it up so everything gets nice and coated in that creamy Cajun goodness.
- Step six : Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Now for the best part—add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and toss it all together. Every noodle should be drenched in that rich, spicy, cheesy sauce.
- Step seven : Garnish and Serve
- Top with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, and maybe even a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for good measure. Then, dig in!
Notes
- Use Pre Cooked Chicken for a Shortcut: If you're short on time, use shredded rotisserie chicken and add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Best Pasta - Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it separately and add it at the end to prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy.
- Cheese Alternatives: Parmesan adds a rich flavor, but you can also use shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a different taste.
- Vegetable Boost: Adding spinach, mushrooms, or extra bell peppers can enhance the dish and make it even more nutritious.
- Storage Tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.
