Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with a luscious alfredo sauce. This one-pot meal is made easy in the slow cooker, allowing the chicken to cook to perfection while infusing the sauce with spices and savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or preparing dinner for a special occasion, this dish delivers comfort food at its finest with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – Simply add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Creamy and flavorful – The combination of Cajun spices and creamy alfredo sauce creates an irresistible dish.
- Comfort food – A perfect hearty meal for those who love creamy pasta with a little kick of spice.
- Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Perfect for meal prep – This dish keeps well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Chicken broth
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side to add flavor and color. You don’t need to cook them all the way through, as they will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
- Set up the slow cooker: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Add heavy cream, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce.
- Cook the pasta: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine: Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Mix until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4-5 hours (including slow cooker time)
Variations
- Add veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to add more texture and nutrition.
- Spicy version: Add some extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.
- Creamy alternative: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may not be as rich.
- Use sausage: Swap the chicken for andouille sausage or a mix of both sausage and chicken for a heartier, more flavorful dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, you can add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Just add an extra hour or so of cooking time.
What type of pasta should I use?
You can use any pasta you prefer, but penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are great options for this creamy dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat the pasta and sauce together, and it will taste just as delicious!
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, add extra cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for a tangy heat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a slightly different flavor.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes, use a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream) and dairy-free cheese to make it a dairy-free dish.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe by adjusting the ingredients accordingly, though you may need to cook it in a larger slow cooker.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Simmer the chicken and sauce in a large skillet until the chicken is cooked through, then shred and stir in the pasta.
Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese?
Yes, you can omit the cream cheese and use extra heavy cream or even a bit of sour cream for the creamy texture.
Can I use store-bought alfredo sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought alfredo sauce if you prefer. Just add it to the slow cooker along with the chicken and seasonings.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep and the convenience of the slow cooker, this meal is both easy to make and packed with delicious Cajun flavors. Whether you enjoy it with pasta, over rice, or as a standalone dish, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness with just a little kick of spice!
Print
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4-5 hours (including slow cooker time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American (Cajun-inspired)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines bold Cajun seasoning with a luscious alfredo sauce. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta come together to create a comforting meal with just the right amount of spice.
Ingredients
-
Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
-
Cajun Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
-
Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
-
Paprika
- 1 teaspoon paprika
-
Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
-
Heavy Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
-
Cream Cheese (softened)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Chicken Broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
-
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni recommended)
-
Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
-
Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the chicken)
Instructions
-
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
-
Cook the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken breasts on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side to develop flavor and color.
- The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked as it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
-
Set up the slow cooker:
- Transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add heavy cream, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
-
Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
-
Shred the chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the creamy sauce in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
-
Cook the pasta:
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
Combine:
- Stir the cooked pasta into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. Mix until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy Cajun alfredo sauce.
-
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra spice: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat.
Use sausage: Swap chicken for andouille sausage, or use both sausage and chicken for a heartier dish.
Lighten it up: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream for a lighter version of the dish.
Vegetable add-ins: Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the slow cooker for added texture and flavor.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *