why make this recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delicious way to enjoy a taste of the South right at home. This dish is perfect for busy days as it cooks slowly in your crock pot, allowing you to set it and forget it. The creamy sauce combined with the spicy Cajun flavors will make everyone at the table smile. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that makes for easy cleanup!
how to make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions:
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Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with the Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even coating.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This will help seal in the flavors.
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Remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
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Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken in the crock pot.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
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Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crock pot.
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Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
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In the meantime, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir well to combine with the sauce and chicken.
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Allow everything to heat together in the crock pot for another 15-20 minutes on the low setting, to ensure it’s thoroughly warmed.
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Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
how to serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish hot from the crock pot. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread. Feel free to sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
how to store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Cajun seasoning or some diced jalapeños.
- For a richer flavor, let the chicken cook for a full 5 hours on low.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with cream cheese for a thicker sauce.
variation
You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different twist. Adjust the cooking time as necessary since shrimp cooks faster than chicken.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to cook it for a longer time (at least 6-7 hours on low).
What can I use instead of penne pasta?
You can use any pasta you like! Bowtie, rotini, or fusilli work great as well.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge the night before. Then, throw everything in the crock pot in the morning for a warm meal by dinner time.
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 piece bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to ensure even coating.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side to seal in the flavors.
- Remove the chicken and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Cooking
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crock pot. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crock pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- In the meantime, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta to the crock pot and stir well to combine with the sauce and chicken.
- Allow everything to heat together in the crock pot for another 15-20 minutes on low, to ensure it’s thoroughly warmed.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
