If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, hassle-free dinner that feels like you just stepped out of a Southern bistro, look no further than this 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines tender, slow-cooked chicken drenched in bold Cajun spices with luscious creaminess and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s vibrant, comforting, and full of personality. From the zesty seasoning to the silky sauce and colorful peppers, this dish is a guaranteed showstopper that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet pack a punch in both taste and texture, making the dish as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Every component—from the spices to the creamy elements—plays a key role in creating that signature rich and hearty flavor.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs all the Cajun goodness beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning: Gives the dish its bold, spicy kick and unmistakable Southern charm.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to lock in juices and add a lovely golden crisp before slow cooking.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds sweetness and vibrant color to balance the spice.
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced): Offers a fresh crunch and a slight earthiness to the mix.
- 1 small yellow onion (sliced): Builds a savory depth with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Brings juiciness and a bit of subtle heat to enhance the Cajun flavors.
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the perfect base for the sauce while keeping salt in check.
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed and softened): Adds rich, creamy texture that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Heightens the silkiness and rounds out the flavors in the sauce beautifully.
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta (cooked and drained): The ideal pasta shape for trapping sauce and bringing the whole dish together.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a touch of sharpness and richness to the final dish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and a pop of color that brightens every bite.
How to Make 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by generously rubbing your chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. This step is crucial because it locks the spices into the meat, giving every bite that vibrant Cajun flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken breasts on each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully golden. This quick searing helps seal in the juices and builds a flavorful crust before slow cooking.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Liquids
Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker, then add the sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juices) and the low-sodium chicken broth. This medley creates a vibrant, aromatic base full of color and flavor that will cook low and slow to perfection.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Tenderness
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let everything simmer gently for 4 to 5 hours. This slow process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all those rich Cajun and tomato flavors, while the veggies soften into a sweet, fragrant melody.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Make It Creamy
Once the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, remove it from the slow cooker and shred or slice it as you prefer. Return the chicken to the pot, then add the cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir vigorously until the cream cheese is fully melted and turns into a luscious, silky sauce that blends beautifully with the spices and veggies.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Parmesan to Finish
Finally, stir in the cooked penne or rotini pasta, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with that rich creamy Cajun sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, which will melt slightly and add a subtle sharpness that elevates the dish. Let everything warm through on low for an additional 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors marry perfectly.
How to Serve 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it brighten up the plate visually, but it also adds a fresh, slightly herbal contrast to the creamy, spicy pasta, balancing each bite so wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls also complement the meal perfectly by soaking up every last bit of the creamy Cajun sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for guests who want a citric twist. Alternatively, create a family-style feast by ladling the pasta into a large, colorful serving dish right from the slow cooker—nothing beats sharing this comfort food vibe directly off the pot!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken and the pasta softens a bit, so give it a quick stir and perhaps a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, and add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This helps regain that creamy texture and ensures the flavors stay vibrant. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to cover and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini work best to hold the sauce, farfalle, fusilli, or even rigatoni will also be delicious. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How spicy is the 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level depends on the Cajun seasoning you use. Mild versions keep it approachable for all palates, while spicier blends or adding crushed red pepper flakes will bring a fiery punch. You can adjust according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can try substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or plant-based protein alternatives. Keep the same spices and creamy sauce—just adjust cooking times accordingly for the vegetables.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
This recipe is designed for slow cooking, but you can adapt it by cooking the chicken and veggies in a covered pot over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is tender and flavors meld—about 2 hours. Then continue with the creamy sauce and pasta steps.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and homey, perfect for weeknight dinners or even casual entertaining. The mix of bold Cajun spices with creamy, cheesy goodness is downright irresistible, and the ease of a slow cooker makes it a stress-free crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make on repeat. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to be a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
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.
