Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Effortless Crock Pot Recipe

Culinary magic happens when a creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe meets the convenience of a slow cooker.

Weeknight dinners just got seriously delicious with minimal effort.

Spicy, rich flavors meld together as the chicken simmers gently in aromatic seasonings.

Hearty ingredients create a comforting meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Southern-inspired comfort emerges from your kitchen without hours of complicated preparation.

Unexpected depth and complexity surprise you in every single bite.

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Bold Creaminess You’ll Appreciate

  • Quick Meal Solution: Effortlessly prepare a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on time using a crock pot that does most of the cooking work for you.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Convenience: Simply toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy a gourmet meal without constant monitoring or complex techniques.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Cajun spices and creamy cheese, this pasta dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it a versatile meal that satisfies everyone at the table.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot Ingredients

Protein:
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs Cajun seasoning and forms the main component of the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the chicken and sauce.
Vegetables:
  • Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetables that provide sweetness and crunch to the pasta dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile with its sharp, intense taste.
Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese: Creates rich, smooth, and creamy sauce with luxurious texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Cajun Seasoning: Provides signature spicy and robust Cajun flavor to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and adding moisture.
  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste.
Pasta:
  • Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides hearty base for the dish.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta in a Crock Pot

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously sprinkle Cajun seasoning over chicken breasts, ensuring every inch is coated with the zesty blend.

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the crock pot, ready to soak up delicious flavors.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Toss these ingredients into the crock pot:
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Minced garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Mix the ingredients lightly to distribute evenly around the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat.

Let the chicken simmer and become incredibly tender for 4-5 hours.

The kitchen will fill with mouthwatering aromas that’ll make everyone hungry.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot.

Shred or slice the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return it back to the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Develop the Creamy Sauce

Blend these ingredients into the crock pot:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cooked pasta

Stir everything together until the ingredients are beautifully combined and the sauce starts to look luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Thicken and Enhance

Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a rich, velvety consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta and chicken.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy Cajun chicken pasta into bowls.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Slow Cooker Style With Spice Tips

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.
  • Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the dish.
  • Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to better hold the creamy sauce.
  • Swap bell peppers with zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for different nutritional profiles and flavors.
  • Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick and easy weeknight dinners.

Reheat Cajun Chicken Pasta With Creaminess Kept

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together for maximum flavor retention.
  • Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly in the container.
  • Warm gently in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent dryness, stirring every 30 seconds until heated thoroughly.
  • For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy, spicy sauce and refresh your palate with its bright, citrusy notes.
  • Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic to soak up the rich, creamy Cajun sauce and add a delightful textural contrast.
  • Cool Down with Cucumber Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and a simple vinaigrette to balance the dish's rich, spicy flavors.
  • Enhance with Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the creamy, bold Cajun chicken pasta.

Cajun Chicken Pasta in Crockpot with Creamy Kick

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Use gluten-free Cajun seasoning and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the same cooking method.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash. Reduce cream cheese amount and use a low-carb thickening agent like xanthan gum.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta works well. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini are great alternatives that hold the creamy sauce nicely.

  • How spicy is this dish?

The heat level depends on your Cajun seasoning. Use less for mild flavor or add more cayenne pepper for extra kick. You can always adjust to your spice preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that your Cajun seasoning and chicken broth don’t contain gluten.

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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers Southern comfort with spicy, hearty flair. Rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken make this comforting meal perfect for satisfying bold flavor cravings you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta

Instructions

  1. Generously dust chicken pieces with vibrant Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage before nestling them into the slow cooker.
  2. Layer sliced colorful bell peppers and aromatic minced garlic around the seasoned chicken, creating a flavorful base.
  3. Carefully pour chicken broth and rich heavy cream over the ingredients, allowing the liquid to surround the chicken evenly.
  4. Secure the lid and allow the chicken to gently simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours until meat becomes fork-tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and carefully shred or slice the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return to the cooking liquid.
  6. Introduce softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring methodically to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  7. Fold in pre-cooked pasta, ensuring each strand gets coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  8. Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and allow sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
  9. When sauce reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and let rest briefly to allow flavors to meld.
  10. Serve immediately in warm bowls, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using mild or hot varieties to match personal spice tolerance.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version of the dish.
  • Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for alternative protein options that work beautifully in this recipe.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish suitable for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the creamy, zesty flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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