Description
Crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta blends rich, spicy flavors from Louisiana’s culinary tradition. Southern comfort meets bold spices in this hearty one-pot meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta and Base:
- 1 lb (454 g) cooked pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 block (8 oz / 227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) diced onion
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a vibrant blend of Cajun spices, ensuring each piece is generously seasoned.
- Transfer seasoned chicken into the slow cooker, accompanied by a colorful medley of diced onions and bell peppers.
- Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth over the ingredients, creating a rich, flavorful liquid base.
- Allow the chicken to simmer and tenderize on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until fully cooked and easily pulled apart.
- Gently shred the chicken directly within the crock pot using two forks, breaking it into succulent, bite-sized pieces.
- Introduce cream cheese and Parmesan, stirring until they melt completely and transform the sauce into a luxuriously smooth consistency.
- Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture.
- Drain pasta and fold it into the creamy chicken mixture, guaranteeing each strand is thoroughly coated with the spicy, cheesy sauce.
- Plate immediately, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan or chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper, making it milder or hotter based on personal preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- To reduce calories, swap heavy cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed twist.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavor profile, adding a bright, aromatic dimension to the creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 488 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg