This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a tasty and comforting dish! With spicy Cajun seasoning, tender chicken, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to please everyone.
Add pasta right into the pot, and let it cook up with the sauce for a quick meal. I love how it makes dinner super easy. Who doesn’t enjoy a one-pot wonder? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a great texture. You can use thighs for more flavor or even shrimp for a different twist. Just remember, the cooking times will vary.
Cajun Seasoning: This is essential for the dish’s warmth. You can make your own blend with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano if you prefer freshness or want to control the heat level.
Pasta: I use penne, but any pasta you have on hand can work. Just watch the cooking time, as different shapes vary in how long they take to cook.
Heavy Cream: This is to make the dish creamy. You can swap it for half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream if you want a lighter version.
Cheese: Cheddar and Parmesan give a nice flavor and creaminess. If you want, try pepper jack for an extra kick or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Can I Ensure the Chicken is Never Dry?
To keep your chicken juicy, follow these steps:
- Don’t rush the searing step! A light browning adds flavor.
- Cook on low for best results; it keeps the chicken moist.
- Shred the chicken and mix it back in with the sauce and pasta; this allows the chicken to soak up extra flavor.
Also, avoid overcooking the pasta by checking it periodically; this keeps everything creamy and delicious.
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Chicken Pasta takes about 15 minutes of active prep time and then needs to cook in the crock pot for 4-5 hours on low (or 2-3 hours on high). In total, you’re looking at around 4-5 hours, but most of that is hands-off time while the crock pot does its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated to get that great flavor throughout.
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Lightly sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned. This step is optional, but it adds an extra layer of flavor!
3. Setting Up the Crock Pot:
Place the seared chicken breasts into your crock pot. Now, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and both bell peppers on top of the chicken.
4. Adding the Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. This will create a rich base for your pasta, so don’t skip this step!
5. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The aroma will be amazing!
6. Shredding the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crock pot and shred it using two forks. It should come apart easily. Mix it back into the sauce to keep it moist.
7. Adding the Pasta:
Now, add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the crock pot and stir in the shredded chicken.
8. Creamy Addition:
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir well to combine everything together.
9. Final Cooking:
Cook on high for another 30-45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10. Adjust Seasoning:
Once the pasta is cooked and creamy, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
11. Garnishing:
Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta made easily in the crock pot! It’s perfect for dinner and sure to delight your family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe! Just increase the cooking time to about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Thawing in the fridge beforehand will yield the best results if you have time!
What If I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can make your own Cajun seasoning by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use low-fat cheese for a healthier twist.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the consistency!
