Description
This 5-Star Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make slow cooker meal that combines tender Cajun-spiced chicken breasts with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Loaded with bell peppers, onions, and a touch of heavy cream, it delivers a comforting and rich dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and evenly sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Add vegetables and broth: Layer the sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. Pour in the low sodium chicken broth to provide moisture for the slow cooking.
- Cook the chicken: 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 tender and easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, creating a rich and creamy base.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the crock pot, making sure it is mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the pasta is al dente.
- Finish with cheese and parsley: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well to combine, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
- For added flavor, consider adding sliced andouille sausage to the crock pot with the vegetables.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivity or dietary restrictions.
