Description
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked with Cajun spices, bell peppers, and onions in chicken broth, then mixed with pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a rich, comforting dish. The slow cooker does the work, making it an easy and delicious dinner option with a spicy Cajun twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, sliced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Thickening
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta (added later)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Combine Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts for full flavor.
- Prepare the crock pot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts, sliced red and green bell peppers, and sliced yellow onion into the crock pot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. The long, slow cooking melds the flavors and softens the vegetables.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the crock pot with the cooked vegetables and broth.
- Add pasta and dairy: Stir in the uncooked pasta, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a rich and creamy sauce as the pasta cooks.
- Optional thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the crock pot. This will help thicken the sauce as it cooks.
- Cook the pasta: Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally during this time, if possible, to prevent the pasta from sticking and to evenly incorporate ingredients.
- Final seasoning and garnish: Once the pasta is cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed to suit your preference. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños along with the other seasonings.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the dish while maintaining creaminess.
- This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta; however, monitor the cooking time as it may vary depending on the pasta type.
