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
- Generously dust chicken pieces with vibrant Cajun seasoning, ensuring complete coverage before nestling them into the slow cooker.
- Layer sliced colorful bell peppers and aromatic minced garlic around the seasoned chicken, creating a flavorful base.
- Carefully pour chicken broth and rich heavy cream over the ingredients, allowing the liquid to surround the chicken evenly.
- 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.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and carefully shred or slice the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return to the cooking liquid.
- Introduce softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan, stirring methodically to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Fold in pre-cooked pasta, ensuring each strand gets coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and allow sauce to thicken and develop deeper flavors.
- When sauce reaches desired consistency, remove from heat and let rest briefly to allow flavors to meld.
- 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