Description
This 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold and easy dinner recipe that combines tender Cajun-seasoned chicken with creamy sauce, colorful bell peppers, and perfectly cooked pasta. Slow-cooked to perfection, this dish delivers rich flavors with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked and drained
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until lightly browned, approximately 2–3 minutes per side, to lock in flavor and create a slight crust.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced yellow onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), and low-sodium chicken broth. This combination will infuse the dish with robust, spicy, and aromatic elements.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred easily. Slow cooking melds flavors beautifully and creates a rich sauce.
- Shred the Chicken and Add Creamy Ingredients: Remove the chicken breasts, shred or slice them as desired, and return them to the slow cooker. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream, mixing well until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked and drained penne or rotini pasta to the slow cooker along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Warm Through and Serve: Let the entire dish warm together on low heat for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to ensure the pasta absorbs the flavors and the dish is heated throughout. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy Cajun seasoning according to your preference.
- For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes when adding the vegetables to the slow cooker.
- The sauce thickens as it sits; add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating leftovers to loosen it up.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free pasta.
