Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Easy creamy Cajun chicken pasta made in the slow cooker. A bold, family-friendly crockpot dinner everyone will love! This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, bold Cajun spices, and a rich, creamy sauce for an effortless and satisfying weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all ingredients into the slow cooker for a hassle-free cooking experience.
• Bold Flavor: The combination of Cajun spices creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that will impress your family and friends.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes to customize this dish to your liking.
• Healthy Options Available: With lean protein and fresh veggies, this recipe can fit into a balanced diet.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, you will need a few essential tools that simplify the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Pasta pot

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, ensuring tender chicken and rich flavors develop over time.
• Knife: Essential for slicing vegetables quickly and efficiently for even cooking.
• Pasta pot: Ideal for cooking pasta perfectly al dente without any fuss.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

For the Sauce and Pasta

• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Optional: marinate for 15–20 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker

Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Use forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir until melted and creamy. Allow it to cook on low for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

While the sauce thickens, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well before adding it to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Stir cooked pasta into the sauce mixture in the slow cooker until well combined. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes as desired.

How to Serve Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Serving your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is as delightful as preparing it. This dish is versatile, allowing you to pair it with various sides or garnishes that enhance its rich flavors and make it a standout meal.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Fresh parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives or green onions: Thinly sliced chives or green onions add a mild onion flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

Cheese It Up

• Extra Parmesan cheese: Serve with additional grated Parmesan on the side for those who love a cheesy kick.
• Creamy goat cheese: Crumbled goat cheese can provide a tangy contrast to the rich sauce.

Spice It Up

• Crushed red pepper flakes: Offer crushed red pepper flakes at the table for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Hot sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the dish’s flavors further.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bold seasoning: Use a generous amount of Cajun seasoning to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Marinate chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in spices for 15–20 minutes before cooking intensifies the flavors.
• Cook pasta al dente: Ensure your pasta remains firm by cooking it just until al dente before mixing it into the sauce.
• Cream cheese choice: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture; low-fat versions may yield a thinner sauce.
• Stir gently: When combining pasta with the sauce, stir gently to avoid breaking up the pasta too much.
• Use low-sodium broth: Opting for low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt levels without sacrificing flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this creamy dish beautifully.

1. Garlic bread: A classic choice, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
2. Caesar salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs can be a great base for any leftover creamy sauce.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the creamy pasta.
6. Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy element while enhancing the overall presentation of your meal.
7. Corn on the cob: Sweet corn pairs well with Cajun spices and adds a touch of sweetness to each bite.
8. Fruit salad: A light fruit salad brings refreshing sweetness, perfect after a rich main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not seasoning enough: Cajun cooking is known for bold flavors. Ensure you use adequate Cajun seasoning and taste during cooking to adjust as needed.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long in the crockpot can lead to dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times for the best texture.
• Skipping the pasta cooking step: Don’t add uncooked pasta directly into the slow cooker. Cook it separately to ensure it maintains its perfect texture.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality chicken or broth can affect the overall flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for a more delicious dish.
• Forgetting to garnish: Adding fresh parsley or extra Parmesan at serving enhances not only the look but also the flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

• Allow to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• You can freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Easy & Flavorful Dinner

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish and heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

You can easily substitute chicken with beef or turkey for a different flavor profile while keeping it just as delicious.

How spicy is this Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta?

The spiciness can be adjusted by controlling the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. Start with less if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne and rotini are great options due to their ability to hold onto sauce. However, you can use any pasta shape you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is an easy and flavorful dinner option that your whole family will love! This recipe is versatile; tailor it with your favorite veggies or adjust spices according to your taste. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a delightful and hassle-free dinner that brings bold flavors right to your table. With tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce infused with zesty Cajun spices, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
• Crushed red pepper flakes for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Add sliced bell peppers, onion, and chicken broth.
3. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the slow cooker.
5. Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Stir until melted and creamy. Allow it to cook on low for an additional 10–15 minutes.
6. While the sauce thickens, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well before adding it to the slow cooker.
7. Stir cooked pasta into the sauce mixture in the slow cooker until well combined. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg