Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Sizzling Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this crock pot creamy cajun chicken pasta that delivers bold flavors and minimal effort.

Spicy, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, the dish brings southern comfort right to your table.

Tender chicken bathes in a rich, creamy sauce packed with cajun-inspired seasonings.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of heat and comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The slow cooker works its magic, infusing every ingredient with deep, robust flavors.

Prep takes just minutes, letting you enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal without hours of cooking.

This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that’ll become a family favorite.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Reasons to Love

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Toss ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
  • Customize Flavor Explosion: Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity to match your spice preference, making this dish perfect for both mild and bold taste lovers.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with creamy textures, tender chicken, and familiar pasta, this recipe appeals to kids and adults alike, ensuring clean plates all around.
  • Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes, less time scrubbing, and more moments enjoying your delectable meal with loved ones.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Cajun Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish that provides a hearty and flavorful base for this creamy pasta recipe.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Cajun Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: A robust spice mixture that adds depth and traditional Cajun flavor to the chicken.
Creamy Base Ingredients:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: These ingredients create a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Vegetable Components:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Bell Pepper, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables that add texture, color, and additional flavor to the dish.
Cheese and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty undertone to the creamy sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the sauce.
Pasta and Garnish:
  • Cooked Pasta: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce.
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that brighten the final presentation and add a touch of freshness.

Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta Steps

Step 1: Season The Chicken

Grab chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Make sure each piece is fully coated with the flavorful spice blend.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients In Slow Cooker

Place seasoned chicken into the slow cooker.

Pour in these delicious ingredients:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Bell pepper
  • Mushrooms

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Cook on low setting for 6 hours or high setting for 3 hours.

The chicken should become super soft and easily fall apart.

Step 4: Shred And Mix Chicken

Take chicken out and use two forks to shred it into delectable pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir everything together, ensuring the meat is well combined with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Buttery Pasta

Drop butter into the mixture and stir until it melts completely.

Add cooked pasta and mix thoroughly so each noodle gets coated with the rich, spicy sauce.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley on top.

Serve this mouthwatering Cajun pasta while it’s steaming hot and enjoy the incredible flavors.

Tips for Spicy Cajun Pasta Success

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to match your heat tolerance, preventing an overwhelmingly spicy dish.
  • Cook pasta separately to avoid mushy texture, adding it just before serving for optimal consistency.
  • Use low-fat cream options or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version without compromising flavor.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain creamy sauce quality.

Cajun Chicken Pasta Variations and Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Cajun Chicken Pasta: Replace cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup and use gluten-free pasta for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk, use dairy-free butter substitute, and choose nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth and keeping the same Cajun spice profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the creamy Cajun sauce and protein for keto diet followers.

Serving Creamy Cajun Pasta Right

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and enjoy this hearty pasta dish that brings warmth and spice to your evening meal.
  • Potluck Party Sensation: Bring this creamy Cajun chicken pasta to your next gathering and watch it become the star of the buffet table, with its rich flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal.
  • Game Day Comfort Food: Serve this satisfying dish during sports events or movie nights as a delicious main course that keeps everyone full and happy.
  • Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform any remaining pasta into a quick lunch by adding extra vegetables or mixing with a fresh side salad for a complete meal the next day.

Storage Guidance for Cajun Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.
  • Pour pasta into skillet, add small amount of cream or broth. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • What's the key to making the chicken tender?

The slow cooking process breaks down the chicken fibers, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Low and slow cooking for 6 hours helps the chicken become incredibly juicy and easy to shred.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with traditional pasta, you can experiment with penne, fettuccine, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing into the creamy sauce.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier Cajun blend.

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Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crockpot creamy cajun chicken pasta delivers spicy southern comfort straight to dinner tables. Hearty Louisiana-inspired flavors meld perfectly, promising a quick and satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) penne or fettuccine pasta, cooked
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with a robust blend of Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Transfer seasoned chicken into the crock pot, creating a flavorful base layer for the dish.
  3. Pour cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and chicken broth over the chicken, creating a rich, creamy liquid foundation.
  4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese directly into the liquid, then carefully add diced tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, and sliced mushrooms around the chicken.
  5. Secure the crock pot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 6 hours or high temperature for 3 hours, allowing chicken to become tender and ingredients to meld together.
  6. Once cooking is complete, carefully extract chicken and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Return shredded chicken to the crock pot, stirring gently to distribute throughout the creamy sauce.
  8. Add butter and allow it to melt completely, creating an additional layer of richness.
  9. Incorporate pre-cooked pasta, mixing thoroughly to ensure even coating with the Cajun-spiced cream sauce.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
  11. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.

Notes

  • Choose low-sodium Cajun seasoning to control salt intake for health-conscious diners.
  • Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce for a cleaner, preservative-free version.
  • Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.
  • Consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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