Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This creamy Cajun chicken pasta comes together right in your slow cooker for the easiest, most flavorful comfort food with minimal effort. The slow simmering allows the chicken to become perfectly tender while absorbing all those bold Cajun spices.

I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something that could cook while I was at work. It's since become our go-to for busy days, and my kids actually cheer when they smell those Cajun spices wafting through the house.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: using boneless skinless breasts gives you the perfect protein that stays moist in the slow cooker
• Heavy Whipping Cream: creates that luscious creamy texture without curdling during slow cooking
• Chicken Broth: adds depth and helps create the perfect sauce consistency
• Butter: enriches the sauce and helps carry the Cajun flavors throughout the dish
• Cajun Seasoning: the star ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive flavor profile look for one with paprika cayenne and herbs
• Garlic Powder: adds another layer of flavor that enhances the Cajun seasoning
• Penne Pasta: the perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite
• Parmesan Cheese: brings a nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce further

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients:

Add chicken breasts, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder and Cajun seasoning to your 6 quart crock pot. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the liquid to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

Slow Cook the Chicken:

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You'll know the chicken is perfectly done when it reaches 165 degrees F internally. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while infusing it with the Cajun spices.

Shred the Chicken:

Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks or dice into large pieces. The chicken should pull apart easily after the slow cooking process.

Prepare the Pasta:

Whisk the sauce in the crock pot to ensure it's smooth and well-combined. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in the uncooked pasta. This allows the pasta to cook directly in the flavorful sauce.

Cook the Pasta:

Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally if possible. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and cook to al dente perfection right in the sauce.

Add the Cheese Finish:

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. The residual heat will melt the cheese into the sauce, creating an even richer, more cohesive texture.

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I absolutely love using a high-quality Cajun seasoning in this recipe—it makes all the difference. The blend of paprika, cayenne, herbs and garlic creates this incredible depth that you just can't get from individual spices. My grandmother was from Louisiana, and she taught me that a good Cajun seasoning is worth its weight in gold for dishes like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How spicy is Cajun chicken pasta?

The spiciness depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. For a milder flavor, reduce the seasoning by half.

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with any pasta of your choice, though cooking times may vary slightly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I prepare this without a crock pot?

Yes, you can cook the ingredients in a large pot or skillet on the stovetop, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

→ What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.