Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

This slow cooker Cajun chicken pasta combines seasoned chicken, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Cook the pasta separately and stir it in near serving time; this keeps it from becoming overly soft while the chicken cooks in the slow cooker.

Why Make Cajun Chicken Pasta in the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker handles the chicken and tomato-based cooking liquid while you take care of the pasta on the stovetop. Cajun seasoning brings the main spice blend, and the amount of heat depends on the blend you use. Check its salt level before adding extra salt.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

1. Pat the chicken dry. In a bowl, coat it with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. For extra browning, sear the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side. This step adds color but does not cook the chicken through.
3. Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the bell pepper, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Check with a food thermometer; time varies by slow cooker and chicken thickness. Do not use frozen chicken in a slow cooker.
5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan over low heat until the cheese melts; do not let the dairy mixture boil.
6. Meanwhile, cook the penne in a pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and stir into the sauce just before serving. If the sauce is thick, loosen it with a splash of broth or pasta water.
7. Serve hot with chopped parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pasta with a green salad or a piece of crusty bread. Add parsley at the table, and offer extra Parmesan if desired.

Storage and Reheating

For best texture, store the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce gently until steaming hot, then toss with freshly cooked or leftover pasta. Cream sauces can separate if boiled. Freezing may affect the texture of the cream sauce and pasta.

Tips for Cajun Chicken Pasta

• Check the Cajun seasoning label; some blends already contain salt.
• Use chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook at a similar rate.
• Verify chicken doneness with a thermometer at the thickest part; USDA guidance for poultry is 165°F (74°C).
• Cook the penne separately and combine it shortly before serving to avoid overcooking.
• Add the cream and Parmesan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Variations

Adjust the heat by choosing a mild or spicy Cajun blend. You can add spinach near the end or use another short pasta shape. Shrimp or sausage would require different cooking times and should be cooked separately to their safe temperature before being mixed into the finished sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
No. Thaw chicken safely in the refrigerator before putting it in a slow cooker. Frozen poultry may spend too long warming through.

What can I use if I do not have Cajun seasoning?
Use a prepared blend or a homemade blend that includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne to taste. Seasoning blends vary, so adjust salt and heat gradually.

Can I prepare ingredients ahead?
You can slice the vegetables and measure seasonings ahead, then refrigerate them separately. Add ingredients to the slow cooker and begin cooking when ready; do not leave raw chicken at room temperature.

Can I make the sauce lighter?
Using less cream or replacing some with broth will make a thinner, less rich sauce. Adjust gradually and keep the sauce below a boil.

For poultry cooking guidance, see the FoodSafety.gov safe minimum internal temperature chart.

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A delicious and easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta prepared in a slow cooker, perfect for busy days.

• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz penne pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts in a large bowl; drizzle with olive oil and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub to coat.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the chicken on both sides for 2-3 minutes.
3. Transfer chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic on top of chicken.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
6. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
8. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
9. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and add to the slow cooker.
10. Heat everything together for another 15-20 minutes on low.
11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cream or skip heavy cream and add more broth. You can use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken.

• Author: bennacer-blogbrandinggmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Cajun
• Diet: Gluten Free