An Incredible Ultimate 1-Pot Wonder Recipe
Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooker dish combining tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Low Lactose
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crock pot, add the seasoned chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix lightly to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it finely with two forks or chop into bite-sized pieces, then set aside.
- Add Cream and Pasta: Stir the heavy cream and uncooked penne pasta into the crock pot mixture, blending well.
- Finalize Cooking: Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and creamy.
- Stir in Cheese: Add the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring thoroughly to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Return Chicken: Mix the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the pasta and sauce for even distribution.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, include the optional red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan cheese adds umami and creaminess; pecorino or Asiago can be alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, Cajun Chicken, Creamy Pasta, Slow Cooker Dinner, Easy Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Cajun Recipe