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crock pot cajun chicken pasta recipe
Ben Carraoli

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Calories: 465
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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!
  6. 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.
  7. Plate the pasta, and don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for added flair. Dinner is served!

Notes

  • 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.