Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making this Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta because it’s super simple and hands-off. The slow cooker does all the hard work, and the result is a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The Cajun seasoning gives the chicken a perfect balance of heat and smokiness, while the creamy Parmesan sauce adds richness and depth. Plus, the colorful bell peppers brighten up the dish, making it both visually appealing and delicious. It’s an easy, comforting meal that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours of work in the kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 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

• 8 oz penne pasta

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.

2. Transfer to Crock Pot: Add the seasoned chicken to the crock pot. Then, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, diced tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic. Stir to combine everything well.

3. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Add the Pasta: About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the penne pasta. Ensure that the pasta is submerged in the creamy sauce. Cover again and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is al dente.

5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once done, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH. Plus, the final 15–20 minutes for the pasta brings the total time to approximately 4.5–5.5 hours. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner that gives you more time to relax while your slow cooker does the work!

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can mix in additional vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for more nutrition and flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want extra heat.

• Swap the Protein: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or sausage if you prefer.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or bowtie. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, making sure the pasta is al dente.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the entire dish in the crock pot the night before, store it in the fridge, and then cook it the next day. Just add the pasta during the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, or add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give it more of a spicy kick.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a larger crock pot (6-8 quarts), and increase the cooking time slightly if needed. Stir occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly.

Can I use frozen chicken?

You can use frozen chicken, but keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to cook, and you may need to adjust the cooking time. If you do use frozen chicken, it’s best to cook on LOW for the full 5 hours.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines the heat of Cajun spices with a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends when you want a delicious, hearty dinner without a lot of work. With tender chicken, colorful peppers, and pasta soaked in creamy goodness, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy a hearty, comforting meal that packs a bold punch of flavor!