This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. With tender Cajun-seasoned chicken, bell peppers, and pasta simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – Let your slow cooker do all the work!
- Bold, spicy flavor – Cajun seasoning brings just the right kick.
- Rich and creamy – A smooth, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
- One-pot meal – Fewer dishes, easy cleanup!
- Great for meal prep – Reheats beautifully for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Season the Chicken
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Assemble in Crock Pot
- Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
4. Add Pasta
- 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the penne pasta to the slow cooker.
- Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
5. Continue Cooking
- Cover and cook on high for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
6. Season and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high, plus 15–20 minutes for pasta
- Total Time: ~4.5–5.5 hours
- Calories: ~550 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it spicier – Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Lighten it up – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Vegetarian option – Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu.
- Use different pasta – Try rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Add the pasta only in the last 15-20 minutes and stir occasionally.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?
For mild pasta, reduce Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold, creamy, and effortless dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, bell peppers, and pasta all cooked in a spicy Cajun sauce, this one-pot meal will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!
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Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
This Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta is a creamy, spicy, and easy slow cooker meal. Tender chicken, bell peppers, and pasta simmer in a rich, cheesy Cajun sauce for a bold and comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is full of flavor and minimal effort!
- Total Time: ~4.5–5.5 hours
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Season the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
-
Assemble in Crock Pot:
- Transfer the seasoned chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and garlic.
- Stir well to combine.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
-
Add Pasta:
- 15 minutes before cooking time is up, add the penne pasta to the slow cooker.
- Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
-
Continue Cooking:
- Cover and cook on high for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
-
Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add extra Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Lighten it Up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu.
- Use Different Pasta: Try rotini, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high, plus 15–20 minutes for pasta
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Cajun-inspired
