If there’s one thing I love about my Crock Pot, it’s how effortless it makes creating mouthwatering meals. And this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe? Oh, it’s a winner! I whipped this up last night, and my kitchen smelled like a cozy Cajun cafe.

Every bite was packed with creamy, spicy flavors that had my family asking for seconds. If you enjoy flavorful dishes like this, you can also give this Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce recipe a try for your next meal. Trust me; you’ll love it.

crock pot cajun chicken pasta recipe — Source: eatingonadime

Ingredients You Will Need

To make the perfect Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following:

Chicken Breasts (2 lbs)
Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean source of protein. Using fresh ones gives the best flavor and texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream (2 cups)
This is the key to a rich, creamy sauce. Avoid substitutes like milk as they don’t thicken as nicely.
Chicken Broth (4 cups)
Provides depth to the sauce and prevents it from being overly heavy. Use low-sodium broth for more control over seasoning.
Butter (4 tbsp)
Adds smoothness and enhances the flavor. Real butter wins over margarine here!
Cajun Seasoning (2 tbsp)
The star of this dish! Adjust the amount to dial up or down the spice level based on your preference.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
Adds that subtle garlicky note without overpowering the dish.
Penne Pasta (1 lb)
Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Feel free to swap with bow tie or fettuccine noodles if needed.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 cup)
Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and gives that cheesy burst of flavor.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings, ensuring the whole family can enjoy a comforting dinner.

Variations of This Recipe

Want to switch things up? Here’s how you can tailor this recipe to suit your needs:

Meat Options: Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs, shrimp, or even spicy sausage for a fun twist.
Veggie Add-Ins: Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value.
Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of heat, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the Cajun seasoning is free of any hidden gluten.
Low-Fat Version: Replace heavy cream with a light cooking cream or reduced-fat milk and use less butter.

You can complement it with lighter sauces, just like in this easy Mushroom Chicken Recipe.

Cooking Time

Here’s how the time will break down for this recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes

Equipment You Need

Make sure you’re prepped with the right tools for this recipe:

Crock Pot (6-quart): The hero of this recipe for slow and even cooking.
Mixing Bowl: For whisking the sauce or seasoning the chicken.
Shredder or Forks: To shred the cooked chicken.
Ladle: Perfect for serving creamy pasta.
Knife and Chopping Board: To dice or prep your ingredients.

How to Make Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of pasta waiting for you.

Step 1 – Start with the Base

Add the chicken breasts, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning to your Crock Pot. Give the ingredients a gentle stir to distribute the seasoning evenly across the chicken.

Step 2 – Slow Cook the Chicken

Set your Crock Pot on low and cook for 4-6 hours (or 2-3 hours on high). This slow cooking ensures the chicken is tender and absorbs all those spicy Cajun flavors. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s ready for the next step.

Step 3 – Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using forks or a hand mixer. You can dice it too if you prefer chunkier pieces in your pasta.

Step 4 – Whisk and Add Pasta

Whisk the sauce in the Crock Pot to make sure everything is smooth and well-mixed. Then, return the shredded chicken and stir in the uncooked pasta. The pasta will absorb all that creamy, flavorful goodness as it cooks.

Step 5 – Finish Cooking

Cover the Crock Pot and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes until the pasta is tender. This is when your kitchen will smell irresistible!

Step 6 – Stir in Cheese

Turn the heat off and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Place the lid back on for five minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully into the sauce.

Step 7 – Serve

Plate the pasta, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for added flair. Dinner is served!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish a few times, here are some tips I’d love to share to ensure perfection each time:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and freshly minced garlic (instead of powder) can elevate the taste.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Stir occasionally during the final cooking stage to check pasta doneness.
Adjust the Spice: Taste-test the sauce halfway through cooking to tweak the spice level if needed.
Skip the Frozen Chicken: It releases too much water, diluting the flavors. Stick to fresh or properly thawed chicken.

How to Serve Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

When it’s time to eat, presentation goes a long way in sealing the experience:

Serve with Bread: Pair it with a warm side of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up all the creamy sauce.
Salad Sides: A crisp Caesar or garden salad is a refreshing contrast to this rich dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped parsley or scallions for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information

This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is not just delicious but also provides a good nutrient balance. Here’s the breakdown per serving (approximate):

Calories: 465 kcal
Protein: 33g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 14g

How to Store the Recipe

Here’s how you can handle leftovers like a pro:

Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Use the microwave in 30-second intervals or heat in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency.

You can explore other dinner ideas and inspiration at these dinner recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish offers a lot more than just great flavor. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple:

Effortless Cooking: Perfect for busy days since the Crock Pot does all the work.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, protein, or pasta type to your liking.
Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters love its creamy and slightly spicy profile.
Meal Prep-Friendly: Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Comfort Food: It’s hearty, cheesy, and full of bold flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or a lower-fat substitute, but it may result in a thinner sauce.

What are some gluten-free Cajun seasoning brands?

Brands like McCormick or Tony Chachere’s offer gluten-free Cajun seasonings. Check the labels for certification.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Absolutely! Just reduce the cooking time and add your shredded chicken in step four.

Ben Carraoli