Description
This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with a rich blend of Cajun seasoning, creamy whipping cream, and chicken broth create a luxurious sauce that infuses the penne pasta with bold Southern-inspired flavors. Finished with parmesan cheese for a cheesy melt-in-your-mouth finish, this comforting dish is both simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds Chicken Breasts
- 2 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Cajun Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound Penne Pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts, heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, butter, garlic powder, and Cajun seasoning into a 6-quart crock pot. This combination will form the flavorful base for the dish.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred or dice it into large pieces. This will help it absorb more sauce when added back.
- Mix Sauce and Return Chicken: Whisk the sauce in the crock pot to combine any separated ingredients. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir in the uncooked penne pasta thoroughly.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally if possible, until the pasta is tender and cooked through, soaking in the creamy Cajun sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly into the sauce, adding richness and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Cajun chicken pasta warm for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the spice level.
- If the sauce seems too thick after cooking the pasta, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
- Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- This recipe works best in a 6-quart crock pot to allow enough space for stirring and cooking the pasta evenly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg