Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy, and comforting dish with the perfect balance of spice and richness. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a bold Cajun-spiced sauce, combined with pasta and a creamy cheese-infused sauce, makes this a must-try meal. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, fuss-free dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A true one-pot meal—minimal cleanup!
- Slow-cooked for maximum flavor with minimal effort
- Creamy, spicy, and packed with bold Cajun flavors
- Easy to customize with different proteins or spice levels
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic
- Onion
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Penne or fettuccine pasta
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
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Add to Crock Pot – Place the chicken in the slow cooker along with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and chicken broth.
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Cook on Low – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
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Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crock pot.
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Make it Creamy – Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
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Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and add to the crock pot, stirring until well combined.
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Final Touches – Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
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Serve and Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or more Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Different Proteins: Try shrimp or andouille sausage instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
- Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Freeze without the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less Cajun seasoning.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Penne, fettuccine, or rotini hold the sauce well and work best.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Yes! Sauté the chicken and vegetables, add broth and seasonings, then stir in the dairy and cooked pasta at the end.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk for better richness.
What can I serve with Cajun Chicken Pasta?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened and stir continuously when adding dairy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning is gluten-free.
Can I cook the pasta in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook pasta separately to avoid it getting mushy.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your crock pot is large enough to hold the ingredients.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy, creamy twist. It’s easy to make, full of bold flavors, and perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy a hassle-free, restaurant-quality meal at home!
Print
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: About 5 hours
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Pasta, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Slow-cooked chicken, bold Cajun seasoning, and a rich, cheesy sauce combine with tender pasta for an irresistible dish. This easy-to-make recipe is packed with flavor and can be customized with different proteins, spice levels, and pasta options.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken – Season chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning.
2. Add to Crock Pot – Place the chicken in the slow cooker with garlic, onions, bell peppers, and chicken broth.
3. Cook on Low – Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours (or on high for 2-3 hours) until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
5. Make it Creamy – Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well incorporated.
6. Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta separately according to package instructions. Drain and add to the crock pot, stirring until well combined.
7. Final Touches – Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let the pasta sit in the crock pot for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or less Cajun seasoning or mixing in a mild seasoning blend.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken in butter before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Best served fresh, but leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld!
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