Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s both comforting and full of bold flavors? This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious, hands-off meal that brings the heat with Cajun spices and creamy pasta.

The slow cooker does all the work, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Packed with tender chicken, spicy sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

Essential Tools

• Crock Pot or Slow Cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sausage

1. Season the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
2. Add Sausage: Slice the Andouille sausage into rounds and set aside.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot

1. Layer the Crock Pot: In the crock pot, layer the seasoned chicken and sliced sausage at the bottom.
2. Add Vegetables: Next, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken and sausage.
3. Pour in Liquids: Pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth over the ingredients in the crock pot.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Cajun Chicken

1. Cook on Low: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
2. Add Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the chicken is finishing up in the crock pot, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Once the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce, add the cooked pasta to the crock pot. Stir well to coat the pasta with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

1. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the pasta and sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach make great veggie sides.

Tips for Success

Perfecting the Cajun Flavor

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and omit the smoked paprika.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor even more if added toward the end of cooking.

Ensuring a Creamy Sauce

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Use softened, room-temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking: Don’t cook the pasta too long after adding it to the crock pot, as it can become mushy. Stir it in just before serving.

Variations to Try

Shrimp and Sausage Cajun Pasta

• Add Seafood: Substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist. Add the shrimp during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.

Vegetarian Cajun Pasta

• Skip the Meat: Omit the chicken and sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty vegetarian version.

Cheesy Cajun Pasta Bake

• Oven Finish: After mixing the pasta with the sauce, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with more Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the best of Southern cooking to your table with minimal effort. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and just the right amount of spice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

FAQs

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point of adding the pasta. Store the chicken mixture in the refrigerator and reheat it before mixing in the cooked pasta.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can use any pasta you like, such as rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Can I Freeze Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful.

Yield: 6

Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print

Looking for a meal that's both comforting and full of bold flavors? This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe is a delicious, hands-off meal that brings the heat with Cajun spices and creamy pasta. The slow cooker does all the work, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Packed with tender chicken, spicy sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 5 hours

Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
   Rub the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
   
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
   Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot.
   Add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
   Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
   
4. Add the Pasta:
   Remove the cooked chicken from the Crock Pot and set aside.
   Stir the heavy cream and uncooked penne pasta into the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
   
5. Shred the Chicken:
   While the pasta is cooking, shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
   Once the pasta is cooked, return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir to combine.
   
6. Finish and Serve:
   Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
   Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the Cajun chicken pasta warm.

Notes

Pasta: Depending on your Crock Pot's heat level, cooking times for the pasta may vary. Check the pasta occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.

Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk.

Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.