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
A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme that gives dishes a spicy, robust flavor typical of Louisiana cuisine.
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or rotini that hold sauce well and have similar cooking times.
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.
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
Ingredients Checklist for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Main Protein:Seasoning Blend:Liquid and Cream Components:Cheese Ingredients:Tomato Component:Thickening Agent:Pasta:Garnish:Cooking Fat: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: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
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Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta Crock Pot Recipe
- 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
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
- Blend Cajun-inspired spices, creating a robust seasoning mixture to coat the chicken thoroughly, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
- Sear chicken breasts in hot olive oil for 2 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Transfer seared chicken into the crock pot, introducing chicken broth, rich heavy cream, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- 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.
- Gently shred chicken using two forks, creating succulent, bite-sized pieces that will blend seamlessly with the creamy sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a luxurious, velvety texture.
- 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.
- Introduce pre-cooked penne pasta, carefully folding to ensure even distribution of the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley across the top, adding a bright, herbaceous note to the rich dish.
- 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
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.