why make this recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a perfect meal for busy days. It’s flavorful, creamy, and easy to make. You simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. This dish is great for families, as it combines protein, veggies, and pasta in one pot. Plus, it’s packed with yummy Cajun flavors that everyone will love.
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 :
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 in the crock pot.
- 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 the low setting to ensure it’s thoroughly warmed.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
how to serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This dish is best enjoyed hot. Serve it in bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. You can pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
how to store Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.
tips to make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- For extra flavor, try adding some diced green onions or a splash of hot sauce.
- Ensure your chicken is evenly coated with the spices for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken before putting it in the crock pot; it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
variation (if any)
You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. You can also swap the pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so depending on your slow cooker.
2. Can I make this recipe without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or even a splash of additional chicken broth for a lighter version.
3. What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after cooking, you can add a bit more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A flavorful, creamy pasta dish made effortlessly in your slow cooker, perfect for busy days and family meals.
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
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the chicken.
- In a skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and place it in the slow cooker.
- Add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until cooked thoroughly.
- Carefully remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crock pot.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and add to the crock pot, mixing well.
- Allow to heat together on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding diced green onions or hot sauce. Browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances the dish’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
