This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a tasty one-pot meal that brings the flavors of Cajun cooking right to your table. With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and a spicy kick, it’s delicious!
You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. I love how it smells while it cooks—it’s like a party in the kitchen! Plus, it’s super easy to clean up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Boneless Chicken Breasts: The star of our dish! Feel free to swap with chicken thighs for richer flavor. You can also use pre-cooked chicken; just add it later to avoid overcooking.
Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend is essential for that Cajun kick. Don’t have it? Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano as a substitute. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Heavy Cream: This makes the pasta creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream works well. Just remember, it may change the flavor slightly!
Pasta: I love penne for its shape, but rotini is another great option. If you want a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta—but add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking instead.
Bell Peppers: Fresh bell peppers add color and crunch. If you’re out, frozen peppers can be used too. You can also switch to other veggies like zucchini or spinach for a twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken perfectly is key here. Whether you sear it or not, here’s how to ensure it’s tender:
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F is the magic number!
- If searing, don’t rush it! A light browning adds flavor, but it’s optional. You can just set it in the crock pot seasoned.
- Once cooked, shredding is easy with two forks! This lets the flavors mingle well when you add it back to the sauce.
Enjoy the delicious aroma while it cooks and the delightful meal that awaits! Happy cooking!
Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and about 4-5 hours to cook on low (or 2-3 hours on high). It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it recipe perfect for busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This will give your chicken fantastic flavor!
2. Season the Chicken:
Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts to coat them well. Get in there for full coverage!
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
4. Load the Crock Pot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crock pot. Then, layer the diced green and red bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top.
5. Add the Creamy Ingredients:
Pour in the heavy cream, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth over everything in the crock pot. This will create a rich sauce as it cooks!
6. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and tender.
7. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
8. Add the Pasta:
Add the uncooked pasta to the crock pot and stir to combine everything well. It’s going to get saucy!
9. Return the Chicken:
Mix the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the pasta.
10. Add the Cheeses:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top. Stir until everything is melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to get your desired consistency.
11. Final Cooking:
Cover the crock pot again and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, spicy Cajun chicken pasta made effortlessly in the crock pot!
This dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends—happy eating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just ensure the chicken is fully thawed before seasoning and cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a few hours.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or evaporated milk. For a non-dairy alternative, try using coconut cream or cashew cream. Keep in mind, different substitutes may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, refrigerate it, and then add the pasta and cook it on the day you plan to serve. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is heated through.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions, and enjoy your cooking adventure!
