This Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a hearty and comforting meal that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a kick of Cajun spices all simmered to perfection in the slow cooker. The pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors, making every bite smooth and satisfying with just the right amount of spice and creaminess.
I love how easy this dish is to prepare — just toss everything into the crock pot and let it do its magic while you go about your day. The creamy sauce gets thick and velvety, and the Cajun seasoning adds a fun little zing that keeps everyone at the table coming back for more. It’s one of those meals I turn to when I want comfort food without any fuss.
My favorite way to serve this pasta is topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a pinch of extra Cajun seasoning for a little punch at the end. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that tasty sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish never lets me down!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: They stay tender and juicy in the crock pot. You can swap for chicken thighs for more flavor and a bit more fat, which keeps the meat super moist.
Cajun seasoning: This spice mix gives the dish its signature bold flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
Penne pasta: Penne holds onto the creamy sauce well. You can swap with other short pasta like rigatoni or rotini. Just keep the cooking time in mind to avoid overcooking.
Heavy cream and Parmesan: These make the sauce rich and velvety. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy substitute, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for dairy-free.
How Do You Keep the Chicken Tender and the Sauce Creamy in the Crock Pot?
Slow cooking chicken breast can dry it out, so searing first helps lock in juices and adds flavor. Here’s what I do:
- Season the chicken well before searing it in olive oil over medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice brown crust.
- Add sautéed veggies before layering everything in the slow cooker. This builds more flavor and prevents soggy veggies.
- Add pasta uncooked with enough broth so it cooks thoroughly but doesn’t become mushy.
- Once cooked, remove chicken to slice, then stir in cream and cheese off heat. Adding cream too early can break the sauce.
These steps help you get the best texture and rich flavor without losing the creaminess or tenderness. Patience with the cooking time is key!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off, slow cooking that makes the chicken tender and flavors meld.
- Skillet – for searing the chicken first to lock in juices and add a nice browned crust.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – to stir the creamy sauce without scratching your crock pot.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping vegetables and slicing the cooked chicken.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp for a quick Cajun seafood pasta that cooks even faster.
- Add chopped andouille sausage for a smoky, spicy flavor boost.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach to add some earthy or fresh green notes.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular Cajun seasoning for a deeper smoky touch.
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
The total cooking time is about 4 to 5 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in your crock pot. Preparation takes around 15 minutes for chopping and browning the chicken, so plan for roughly 4 to 5 hours overall if cooking on low.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and smell fragrant. Then transfer these cooked veggies into your crock pot.
3. Combine and Cook in the Crock Pot:
Add the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and uncooked penne pasta into the crock pot with the veggies. Lay the seared chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will be cooked through, and the pasta will become tender.
4. Finish the Sauce and Serve:
Once cooked, take out the chicken breasts and slice them. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture in the crock pot, stirring well to create a creamy sauce. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Put the sliced chicken back in or arrange on top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before searing. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave to speed up the process.
Can I Substitute the Pasta?
Absolutely! Penne works well, but you can use other short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or even fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute in place of Parmesan. The texture and flavor may be slightly different but still delicious!
