Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot Recipe

Easy Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe That Sizzles

Whipping up a delightful crock pot creamy Cajun chicken pasta promises pure comfort on those hectic weeknights.

Slow-cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into a magical dinner sensation.

Spicy notes dance through tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles, creating an irresistible meal.

Bold Cajun seasonings infuse each bite with robust flavor that tingles your taste buds.

Home cooks adore how simple this recipe feels while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for everyone around the table.

You’ll want seconds before finishing your first serving of this incredible dish.

FAQs

  • What is Cajun seasoning?

A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or rotini that hold sauce well and have similar cooking times.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on your Cajun seasoning. You can control heat by choosing a mild or hot blend, or adjusting the amount of seasoning used.

  • Do I need to use both Parmesan and mozzarella cheese?

While both add creaminess and flavor, you can use just one type of cheese if preferred. Stick to similar melting cheeses for best results.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta from the Crock Pot

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Cajun seasoning transforms ordinary chicken into a zesty, flavor-packed dish that tantalizes taste buds with bold, exciting spices.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method lets you toss ingredients together, then walk away while the appliance does all the hard work, making dinner preparation a breeze.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pasta with tender shredded chicken creates a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Versatile Weeknight Winner: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe a go-to option for busy households, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Checklist for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that absorbs the rich Cajun flavors perfectly.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A spicy and aromatic mix that creates a bold and zesty flavor profile for the chicken.
Liquid and Cream Components:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Contribute a creamy texture and add a delightful cheesy flavor to the pasta.
Tomato Component:
  • Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Introduces a tangy and slightly spicy element to the sauce.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch, Water: Helps to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Pasta:
  • Penne Pasta: A hearty pasta shape that perfectly captures the creamy sauce.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and shower them with a flavor explosion of Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every inch of the chicken gets a delicious coating.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Warm up olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken for 2 minutes on each side, creating a golden-brown crust that locks in all the mouthwatering flavors.

Step 3: Transfer to Crock Pot

Gently place the seared chicken into the crock pot. Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Diced tomatoes with green chilies

Step 4: Slow Cook to Tenderness

Cover the crock pot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Shred and Cheese It Up

Use two forks to shred the chicken into delectable pieces.

Sprinkle in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until they create a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

If the sauce needs a little body, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the crock pot.

Let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Add Pasta

Toss in your cooked penne pasta and gently fold everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated in the rich, spicy sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Key Guidance for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Opt for homemade Cajun seasoning to control salt and spice levels for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to manage overall dish saltiness and make it healthier.
  • Sear chicken briefly before slow cooking to lock in rich, deep flavors and enhance meat tenderness.
  • Allow extra cooking time if using frozen chicken breasts, ensuring they reach safe internal temperature.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version of the dish.

Flavor Enhancements for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace Cajun seasoning with taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, and add black beans and corn for a southwestern flair.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap Cajun spices with Italian herbs, use feta cheese, add artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean touch.
  • Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, use gluten-free Cajun seasoning to make the dish celiac-friendly.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Pasta Alternative: Replace pasta with cauliflower rice, use heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream, and add extra vegetables for a keto-friendly option.

Best Complements for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Spicy Family Fiesta Night: Serve this creamy Cajun chicken pasta as a centerpiece for a fun family dinner, letting everyone scoop their own portions and enjoy the zesty flavors together.
  • Southern Comfort Plating: Present the pasta in rustic ceramic bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, and pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced, hearty meal that screams southern hospitality.
  • Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Transform this dish into a buffet-style offering during sports events, setting up a pasta station where guests can add their own toppings like extra cheese, hot sauce, or crispy bacon bits.
  • Quick Weeknight Leftover Remix: Use any remaining pasta as a next-day lunch by adding grilled vegetables or transforming it into a cold pasta salad with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette.

Storage Guidelines for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep pasta and chicken separate to prevent soggy noodles if possible.
  • Cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain food safety and texture.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot Recipe

Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crockpots reveal magic with this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe that blends Louisiana spice and comfort. Hearty dinner delivers bold flavors perfect for family meals and simple weekend cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Blend Cajun-inspired spices, creating a robust seasoning mixture to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
  2. Sear chicken breasts in hot olive oil for 2 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
  3. Transfer seared chicken into the crock pot, introducing chicken broth, rich heavy cream, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  4. Slow cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb surrounding flavors.
  5. Gently shred chicken using two forks, creating succulent, bite-sized pieces that will blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
  6. Incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a luxurious, velvety texture.
  7. If sauce appears thin, create a quick cornstarch slurry and fold into the mixture, allowing it to thicken during an additional 15-minute cooking cycle.
  8. Introduce pre-cooked penne pasta, carefully folding to ensure even distribution of the creamy Cajun sauce.
  9. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley across the top, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich dish.
  10. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing diners to experience the full depth of Cajun-inspired flavors.

Notes

  • Customize the Cajun seasoning blend to control spice levels, using more or less based on personal heat tolerance.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter versions of the dish.
  • Ensure chicken is fully coated with seasoning for maximum flavor penetration during slow cooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (or 5 hours)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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