Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious Dinner!

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious Dinner! 🍝🌶️✨

1. Introduction

If you love flavorful, hearty pasta dishes with a spicy Cajun twist, then the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is the perfect dinner for you. This effortless recipe combines tender chicken, a creamy sauce infused with Cajun spices, and pasta cooked to perfection—all made conveniently in your slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight family meal or a weekend gathering, this dish will impress everyone with its bold flavors and creamy textures.

2. Ingredients for the Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 packet Cajun seasoning (about 2-3 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

3. How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta — Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Seasoning

Start by coating the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning and a little salt and pepper. This ensures the chicken is flavorful from the inside out. You can get the seasoning here for more cooking inspiration.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step enhances flavor and locks in juices. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

In the crock pot, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. You can see more slow cooker recipes here.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Finish Cooking

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Continue to cook until the pasta is al dente, perfect for absorbing the flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Adjust Seasoning

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure a creamy, cheesy sauce coats the pasta and chicken evenly.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover Cajun Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat,microwave in short bursts or warm on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This recipe also keeps well when frozen for longer storage.

5. Serving Suggestions for a Perfect Cajun Dinner

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For an extra dash of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top. You can even consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables here.

6. Kitchen Tools That Will Make Your Cooking Easier

Investing in these tools will enhance your cooking experience and help you create more delicious meals with ease.

7. FAQs about Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add tenderness and flavor, and they hold up well during slow cooking.

What are good substitutions for heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

With prep and cooking, the entire process takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted by the amount of Cajun seasoning used. For milder flavor, reduce the Cajun spices or opt for a mild seasoning blend.

8. Conclusion

The Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the convenience of slow cooking with bold Cajun spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a spicy, cheesy pasta dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the irresistible flavors of Cajun cuisine with minimal effort!

Print
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A steaming bowl of creamy Cajun chicken pasta sits on a rustic wooden table, garnished with chopped green onions and slices of grilled chicken, showcasing a rich, orange-colored sauce with visible Cajun spices and tender pasta strands.

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious Dinner!

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Discover the delicious and easy Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, a hearty dinner featuring tender chicken, a spicy Cajun-infused creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This flavorful recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 packet Cajun seasoning (about 23 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz penne or bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by coating the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken until golden on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  3. In the crock pot, add chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning if desired. Stir well.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking until al dente.
  6. Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta with a creamy sauce.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for more flavor and juiciness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3-4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
  • Diet: Gluten-Free option available with gluten-free pasta

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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