Description
This 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a deliciously hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with Cajun spices, bell peppers, and creamy cheese sauce. The penne pasta is mixed in for a perfectly creamy, comforting meal that’s ideal for easy weeknight dinners with a spicy Southern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Liquids and Dairy
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor directly into the meat as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables and Broth: Layer sliced red and green bell peppers, yellow onion, minced garlic, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained) on top of the seasoned chicken. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to add moisture and create the base for the sauce.
- Slow Cook the Mixture: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the vegetables and juices.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream into the crock pot. Stir gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating all the ingredients.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce finishes, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well to prevent extra water from thinning the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the crock pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy Cajun sauce and evenly mixed with the chicken and vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top as a fresh finishing touch. Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Cajun seasoning or adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- For a lighter and tangier sauce, substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
- This recipe adapts well with shrimp or sausage as an alternative to chicken.
