Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 136 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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