This Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta mixes tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a zesty Cajun sauce. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor!
I love how it simmers all day and fills the house with amazing scents. Plus, there’s hardly any cleanup. Who can resist a meal that does all the hard work for you? 😄
Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic! I usually pair it with a side salad for a complete meal. Easy and tasty—what more could you want?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you could use thighs for more flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, tofu or chickpeas can also substitute for chicken!
Bell Peppers: A colorful mix adds sweetness and crunch. If fresh peppers aren’t available, frozen bell peppers work well too. You can also try zucchini or mushrooms if you prefer something different.
Cajun Seasoning: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne works as a substitute. Just balance it to your liking!
Pasta: While penne or rotini is ideal, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, just adjust the cooking time as needed. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be great alternatives.
Cheese: Cheddar brings a nice creaminess. If you’re looking for something different, pepper jack adds a spicy kick or Parmesan can introduce a nice flavor twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Tender?
To ensure your chicken is tender and easy to shred, follow these simple steps:
- Make sure to cook on LOW for at least 4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. This timing lets the chicken cook slowly and break down.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often as this interrupts the cooking process, locking in flavors and moisture.
- Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot; this saves dishwashing!
This way, your chicken will be flavorful, moist, and easy to mix into the pasta.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (a mix of red, yellow, and green)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Cajun cheese blend)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep work and will need around 4-6 hours of cooking on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH in your crock pot. Plus, an additional 30 minutes towards the end for cooking the pasta. All in all, just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crock Pot:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crock pot. This helps keep them nice and juicy as they cook.
2. Add the Veggies:
Layer on the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic directly on top of the chicken. This will give your dish lots of flavor as everything cooks together!
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt over the mixture. Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning based on how spicy you’d like it!
4. Stir in the Liquid:
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (with the juices) and the chicken broth. These liquids will help cook the chicken and pasta, bringing everything together.
5. Cook:
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked and tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the crock pot and shred it with two forks. This is where the magic happens—so tender!
7. Add the Pasta:
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the crock pot and mix in the shredded chicken. This will let the pasta cook directly in the flavorful sauce.
8. Stir in Cream:
Pour in the heavy cream and add cream cheese, if using. Gently mix everything together to combine.
9. Continue Cooking:
Now, cook on HIGH for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
10. Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes part of that creamy goodness. Yum!
11. Adjust Seasoning:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You want to make sure it’s perfect!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, creamy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!
Enjoy your creamy, spicy, and effortlessly delicious Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it on HIGH for about 3-4 hours to ensure it cooks through safely. Avoid using frozen chicken on LOW as it may not reach a safe temperature in time.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love extra heat, you can increase the amount of Cajun seasoning, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or mix in some diced jalapeños. Just be cautious and adjust to your spice tolerance!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a heartier meal.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems too thick!
